Information-Presentation Structure with Post-Impact Duration-Adjustable Impact-Sensitive Color Change

ABSTRACT

A variable-color region ( 106 ) of an information-presentation structure extends to an exposed surface ( 102 ) at a surface zone ( 112 ) and normally appears along it as a principal color. An impact-dependent portion ( 138 ) of the variable-color region responds to an object ( 104 ) impacting the zone at an object-contact area ( 116 ) by temporarily appearing along a print area ( 118 ) of the zone as changed color materially different from the principal color if the impact meets threshold impact criteria. The print area closely matches the object-contact area in size, shape, and location. The color-change time duration of the impact-dependent portion temporarily appearing as the changed color is in a duration range established prior to the impact. A controller ( 602 ) responds to both the impact and subsequent external instruction ( 608 ) by controlling the impact-dependent portion so as to adjust the color-change duration subsequent to the impact.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to the following U.S. patent applicationsall filed on the same date as this application and all on inventions ofRonald J. Meetin: U.S. patent application Ser. No. (“USPA”) ______,attorney docket no. (“ADN”) RM-001 US; U.S. patent application Ser. No.______, ADN RM-002 US; U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, ADNRM-003 US; U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, ADN RM-004 US; U.S.patent application Ser. No. ______, ADN RM-005 US; U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. ______, ADN RM-006 US; U.S. patent application Ser.No. ______, ADN RM-007 US; U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, ADNRM-008 US; U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, ADN RM-010 US; U.S.patent application Ser. No. ______, ADN RM-011 US; U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. ______, ADN RM-012 US; U.S. patent application Ser.No. ______, ADN RM-013 US; U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, ADNRM-014 US; U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, ADN RM-015 US; U.S.patent application Ser. No. ______, ADN RM-016 US; U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. ______, ADN RM-017 US; U.S. patent application Ser.No. ______, ADN RM-018 US; U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, ADNRM-019 US; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, ADN RM-020 US.To the extent not repeated herein, the contents of these otherapplications are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF USE

This invention relates to information presentation, especially forsports such as tennis.

BACKGROUND

Two sides, each consisting of at least one player, compete against eachother in a typical sport played with an object, such as a ball, whichmoves above a playing surface and often impacts the surface. Exemplarysports include tennis and basketball. The playing surface, referred toas a court, consists of an inbounds (“IB”) playing area and anout-of-bounds (“OB”) playing area demarcated by boundary lines. When theobject impacts the OB area, the side that caused the object to go out ofbounds is typically penalized. In tennis, a point is awarded to theother side. In basketball, possession of the basketball is awarded tothe other side. Decisions as to whether the object impacts the playingsurface in or out of bounds are often difficult to make for impactsclose to the boundary lines.

Additionally, the IB area typically contains internal lines that placecertain requirements on the sport. For instance, a tennis court containsthree internal lines which, together with the tennis net and a pair ofthe boundary lines, define four servicecourts into which a tennis ballmust be appropriately served to avoid a penalty against the server. Itis often difficult to determine whether a served tennis ball impactingthe playing surface close to one of these lines is “in” or “out”. Eachhalf of a basketball court usually has a three-point line. At least oneshoe of a player shooting the basketball must contact the court behindthe three-point line immediately prior to the shot with neither of theshooter's shoes touching the court on or inside the three-point line asthe shot is taken for it to be eligible for three points. It is likewisedifficult to determine whether this requirement is met when the shoesare close to the three-point line.

Returning to tennis, FIG. 1 illustrates the layout of playing surface 20of a standard tennis court with line width somewhat exaggerated. Forsingles, playing surface 20 consists of rectangular IB playing area 22and OB playing area 24 edgewise surrounding IB playing area 22 andextending to court boundary 26. Singles IB playing area 22 is definedinwardly by two opposite equal-width parallel straight baselines 28 andtwo opposite equal-width parallel straight singles sidelines 30extending between baselines 28. Tennis net 32 is situated above astraight net line, usually imaginary but potentially real, extendingparallel to baselines 28 substantially midway between them and extendinglengthwise between and beyond singles sidelines 30 for dividing singlesIB area 22 into two singles half courts.

Singles IB area 22 contains (i) two opposite equal-width parallelstraight servicelines 34 situated between baselines 28 and extendinglengthwise between singles sidelines 30 at equal distances from theimaginary or real net line and (ii) straight centerline 36 extendinglengthwise between servicelines 34 at equal distances from singlessidelines 30. Lines 30, 34, and 36 in combination with theimaginary/real net line, and thus effectively net 32, define inwardlyfour equal-size rectangular services courts 38. Lines 28, 30, and 34define two equal-size rectangular backcourts 40.

Playing surface 20 for doubles consists of IB playing area 42 and OBplaying area 44 edgewise surrounding IB playing area 42 and extending tocourt boundary 26. Doubles IB playing area 42 is defined inwardly bybaselines 28 and opposite equal-width straight doubles sidelines 46located outside singles IB area 22. The imaginary/real net line situatedbelow net 32 extends lengthwise between and beyond doubles sidelines 46for dividing doubles IB area 42 into two doubles half courts. Net 32extends fully across IB area 42 and into OB area 44. Rectangular doublesalleys 48 extend along doubles sidelines 46 outside singles sidelines30. FIG. 2 is a less-labeled version of FIG. 1 in which roughlyelliptical items 50, of somewhat exaggerated size, represent examples ofareas where tennis balls, including just-served tennis balls, contactplaying surface 20 and which are variously so close to the tennis linesthat it may be difficult to make decisions, referred to as “line calls”,on whether the balls are “in” or “out”.

Players and tennis officials variously make line calls in tennisdepending on the availability of officials. Numerous devices, includingcamera-based devices, have been investigated to assist in making linecalls. One notable camera-based device is the Hawk-Eye system in which agroup of video cameras in conjunction with a computer track movingtennis balls to provide simulations of their trajectories andpredictions of their court contact areas. See Geiger, “How Tennis CanSave Soccer: Hawk-Eye Crossing Sports”, Illumin, 25 Mar. 2013, 3 pp.FIG. 3 illustrates an example of simulated trajectory 60 of tennis ball62 tracked with Hawk-Eye on one stroke. FIG. 4 depicts simulated contactarea 64 of ball 62 near a sideline 30 on another stroke. As FIG. 4indicates, Hawk-Eye provides a visual notification specifying whetherball 62 is in or out.

The Hawk-Eye simulations are displayed on a screen at which players (andofficials) look to see the line calls. This disrupts play. As a result,Hawk-Eye is used for only certain line calls. In particular, officialsinitially make all line calls with each side allocated a small number ofopportunities to challenge official-made calls per set provided that achallenge opportunity is retained if an official-made call is reversed.The use of challenges is distracting to the players. Hawk-Eye's accuracydepends on the accuracy of the predictive data analysis for thesimulations and on Hawk-Eye's alignment to the tennis lines, assumed tobe perfectly straight even though they are not perfectly straight.Hawk-Eye appears to occasionally make erroneous calls as discussed,e.g., in “Hawk-Eye”, Wikipedia, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawk-Eye, 18 Jul.2013, 8 pp. While Hawk-Eye has gained high recognition among thecamera-based devices, it is desirable to have a better device thanHawk-Eye or any other camera-based device for making line calls.

Line-calling systems utilizing tennis balls with special electrical orchemical treatments have been proposed as, e.g., disclosed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 4,109,911 and 7,632,197 B2. However, such systems aredisadvantageous for various reasons. Erosion along the outside of aspecially treated tennis ball as it contacts the tennis court andracquets may detrimentally affect the ball's ability to provide theinformation needed to appropriately communicate with the line-callingsystem. The electrical or chemical treatments may so affect the bouncecharacteristics that some tennis players are averse to using speciallytreated balls. Players and officials are generally unable to rapidlyverify the accuracy of the calls.

The possibility of using piezochromic material in making line calls hasbeen raised. A piezochromic material changes color upon applyingsuitable pressure and returns to the original color upon releasing thepressure. In Bradley, “Interview with Williams James Griffith”, ReactiveReports, June 2006, 3 pp., Griffith proposes a thin device to be laid ona tennis court and to contain piezochromic material that changes colorupon being impacted by a tennis ball. Griffith mentions that (i) thepiezochromic material would have to be shielded from ultravioletradiation because piezochromic materials are ultraviolet sensitive andmost tennis courts are outdoors and (ii) piezochromic materialsgenerally undergo reverse color change too quickly for a person to checkan impact location. Ferrara et al., “Intelligent design with chromogenicmaterials”, J. Int'l Colour Ass'n, vol. 13, 2014, pp. 54-66, similarlyproposes that electrochromic paint be applied at and near the lines of atennis court for assistance in making line calls and that the same paintcould be used for basketball, volleyball, and squash courts.

Tennis players are usually close to baselines 28 during much of a tennismatch. The players' shoes would likely cause color changes nearbaselines 28 in a tennis court using the piezochromic material ofGriffith or Ferrara et al. Shoe-caused color changes would sometimespartially or fully overlap ball-caused color changes and thereby degradethe ability of using ball-caused color changes in making line calls.

Charlson et al., International Patent Publication WO 2011/123515,discloses a “piezochromic” device, perhaps better described as anelectrowetting device, which changes color in response to a force. Oneembodiment is a sports tape for determining whether a tennis ball is inor out. Other devices using pressure/force sensing have beeninvestigated for assistance in making line calls as disclosed in, e.g.,U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,415,517, 3,982,759, 4,365,805, 4,855,711, and4,859,986. Line-calling devices using other technologies have also beeninvestigated as, e.g., described in “Electronic line judge”, Wikipedia,en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_line_judge_(tennis), 19 Jun. 2012, 3pp. These other line-calling devices are impractical for one reason oranother. It is desirable for tennis and other sports needing fast linecalls to have a practical line-calling device or system which overcomesthe disadvantages of prior art line-calling systems.

GENERAL DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention furnishes an information-presentation (“IP”)structure in which suitable impact of an object on an exposed surface ofan object-impact (“OI”) structure during an activity such as a sportcauses the surface to temporarily change color at the impact area.Specifically, a variable-color (“VC”) region of the OI structure extendsto the exposed surface at a surface zone and normally appears along itas a principal color. An impact-dependent (“ID”) portion of the VCregion responds to the object impacting the surface zone at an IDobject-contact (“OC”) area by temporarily appearing along an ID printarea of the surface zone as changed color materially different from theprincipal color if the impact meets threshold impact criteria. The printarea closely matches the OC area in size, shape, and location.

The ID portion subsequently returns to appearing as the principal color.In the absence of externally caused adjustment, the color-change (“CC”)duration of the ID portion temporarily appearing as the changed color issubstantially in a CC time duration range established prior to theimpact. In accordance with the invention, a CC controller responds tothe impact and to subsequent instruction by controlling the ID portionfor adjusting the CC duration subsequent to the impact. The controllerusually enables the CC duration to be adjusted to be greater than thehigh end, or/and less than the low end, of the pre-established CCduration range.

The instruction for controlling the CC duration can be manuallyprovided, directly or remotely, to the controller. The CC-controlinstruction can also be provided, directly or remotely, by human voiceto the controller. The ID portion usually provides an impact signal inresponse to the impact if it meets the threshold impact criteria. Thecontroller responds to the impact signal and to the instruction byproviding the ID portion with a CC duration signal for adjusting the CCduration subsequent to the impact. The temporary color change at theprint area can be implemented with changes in light reflected or emittedby the ID portion.

The VC region preferably includes an impact-sensitive (“IS”) componentand a CC component. An ID segment of the IS component provides an impacteffect if the impact meets the threshold impact criteria. An ID segmentof the CC component responds (a) initially to the impact effect bycausing the ID portion to temporarily appear as the changed color and(b) subsequently to the CC duration signal by adjusting the CC duration.Use of separate IS and CC components provides many benefits. Morematerials are capable of separately performing the impact-sensing andcolor-changing operations than of jointly performing them. The ambit ofcolors for implementing the principal and changed colors is increased.The two colors can be created in different shades by varying thereflection characteristics of the IS component, usually largelytransparent, without changing the CC component. The print area can beeven better matched to the OC area. The ruggedness for withstandingobject impacts is enhanced thereby enabling the lifetime to beincreased. The ability to select and control the CC timing is improved.

In one embodiment, the ID segment of the CC component responds to theimpact effect and to the CC duration signal, if provided, by temporarilyreflecting light having at least a majority component of wavelengthsuitable for forming color different from the principal color such thatthe ID portion temporarily appears as the changed color. In anotherembodiment, the ID segment of the CC component responds to the impacteffect and to the CC duration signal, if provided, by temporarilyemitting light having at least a majority component of wavelengthsuitable for forming color different from the principal color such thatthe ID portion temporarily appears as the changed color.

The activity can be tennis in which the object is a tennis ball. If so,the OI structure is incorporated into a tennis court for which theexposed surface has two baselines, two sidelines, two servicelines, anda centerline arranged conventionally. Each baseline, the sidelines, andthe serviceline nearest that baseline define a backcourt so as toestablish two backcourts. The present CC capability can be incorporatedinto various parts of the tennis court. For instance, the surface zonecan be constituted with two VC backcourt area portions which partlyoccupy the backcourts and respectively adjoin the servicelines alonglargely their entire lengths. The CC capability is then used indetermining whether served tennis balls are “in” or “out”.

The present CC capability enables a viewer to readily visually determinewhere the object impacted the exposed surface. The accuracy indetermining the location of the print area is very high. A tennis playerplaying on a tennis court having the CC capability can, in the vastmajority of instances, visually see whether a tennis ball impacting thecourt near a tennis line is “in” or “out”. Both the need to usechallenges for reviewing line calls and the delay for line-call revieware greatly reduced. The ability to extend the CC duration provides, asnecessary, extra time to determine whether a tennis ball is “in” or“out”. The CC capability can be used in other sports, e.g., basketball,volleyball, football, and baseball/softball. While often a ball, theobject can be implemented in other form such as a shoe of a person. TheCC capability can also be used in activities other than sports. Inshort, the invention provides a very large advance over the prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 are layout view of a standard tennis court with examplesof areas where tennis balls contact the court's playing surface near thetennis lines indicated in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams of simulations of a tennis ballimpacting a tennis court as determined by the Hawk-Eye system.

FIGS. 5a-5c are layout views of an object-impact (“OI”) structure of aninformation-presentation (“IP”) structure embodiable or/and extendableaccording to the invention, the OI structure having a surface for beingimpacted by an object at an impact-dependent (“ID”) area and forchanging color along a corresponding print area of a variable-color(“VC”) region. The cross section of each of FIGS. 6 a, 11 a, 12 a, 13 a,14 a, 15 a, 16 a, 17 a, 18 a, and 19 a described below is taken throughplane a1-a1 in FIG. 5 a. The cross section of each of FIGS. 6 b, 11 b,12 b, 13 b, 14 b, 15 b, 16 b, 17 b, 18 b, and 19 b described below istaken through plane b1-b1 in FIG. 5 b. The cross section of each ofFIGS. 6 c, 11 c, 12 c, 13 c, 14 c, 15 c, 16 c, 17 c, 18 c, and 19 cdescribed below is taken through plane c1-c1 in FIG. 5 c.

FIGS. 6a-6c are cross-sectional side views of an embodiment of the OIstructure of FIGS. 5a -5 c.

FIGS. 7-9 are graphs of spectral radiosity as a function of wavelength.

FIG. 10 is a graph of a radiosity parameter as a function of time.

FIGS. 11a -11 c, 12 a-12 c, 13 a-13 c, 14 a-14 c, 15 a-15 c, 16 a-16 c,17 a-17 c, 18 a-18 c, and 19 a-19 c are cross-sectional side views ofnine respective further embodiments of the OI structure of FIGS. 5a-5caccording to the invention.

FIGS. 20a and 20b and 21a and 21b are respective cross-sectional sideviews of two variations of the OI structure of FIGS. 5a-5c according tothe invention. The cross sections of FIGS. 20a and 20b are respectivelytaken through planes a1-a1 and b1-b1 in FIGS. 5a and 5b subject todeletion of the fixed-color region in the OI structure of FIGS. 5a and 5b. The same applies to FIGS. 21a and 21 b.

FIGS. 22a and 22b are additional layout views of the OI structure ofFIGS. 5a-5c for different impact conditions than represented in FIGS. 5band 5 c.

FIGS. 23a and 23b are cross-sectional side views of the embodiment ofthe OI structures of FIGS. 6a-6c for the impact conditions respectivelyrepresented in FIGS. 22a and 22 b. The cross sections of FIGS. 23a and23b are respectively taken through planes a2-a2 and b2-b2 in FIGS. 22aand 22 b.

FIGS. 24a and 24b are composite block diagrams/side cross-sectionalviews of two respective embodiments of the impact-sensitive color-change(“ISCC”) structure in the OI structure of FIGS. 11a-11c or 14 a-14 c.

FIGS. 25a and 25b are composite block diagrams/side cross-sectionalviews of two respective embodiments of the ISCC structure in the OIstructure of FIGS. 12a -12 c, 15 a-15 c, 17 a-17 c, 19 a-19 c, or 21 aand 21 b.

FIGS. 26a and 26 b, 27 a and 27 b, 28 a and 28 b, 29 a and 29 b, 30 aand 30 b, and 31 a and 31 b are cross-sectional side views showing howcolor changing occurs by light reflection in VC regions. FIGS. 26a and26b apply to the VC region in FIGS. 6a-6c or 20 a and 20 b. FIGS. 27aand 27b apply to the VC region in FIGS. 11a -11 c. FIGS. 28a and 28bapply to some embodiments of the VC region in FIGS. 12a-12c or 21 a and21 b. FIGS. 29a and 29b apply to the VC region in FIGS. 13a -13 c. FIGS.30a and 30b apply to the VC region in FIGS. 14a -14 c. FIGS. 31a and 31bapply to some embodiments of the VC region in FIGS. 15a -15 c.

FIGS. 32a and 32 b, 33 a and 33 b, 34 a and 34 b, 35 a and 35 b, 36 aand 36 b, and 37 a and 37 b are cross-sectional side views showing howcolor changing occurs by light emission in VC regions. FIGS. 32a and 32bapply to the VC region in FIGS. 6a-6c or 20 a and 20 b. FIGS. 33a and33b apply to the VC region in FIGS. 11a -11 c. FIGS. 34a and 34b applyto the VC region in FIGS. 12a-12c or 21 a and 21 b. FIGS. 35a and 35bapply to the VC region in FIGS. 13a -13 c. FIGS. 36a and 36b apply tothe VC region in FIGS. 14a -14 c. FIGS. 37a and 37b apply to the VCregion in FIGS. 15a -15 c.

FIGS. 38a and 38b are layout views of a cellular embodiment of the OIstructure of FIGS. 5a-5c according to the invention. The cross sectionof each of FIGS. 41 a, 42 a, 43 a, 44 a, 45 a, 46 a, 47 a, 48 a, 49 a,and 50 a described below is taken through plane a3-a3 in FIG. 38 a. Thecross section of each of FIGS. 41 b, 42 b, 43 b, 44 b, 45 b, 46 b, 47 b,48 b, 49 b, and 50 b described below is taken through plane b3-b3 inFIG. 38 b.

FIGS. 39a and 39b are diagrams of exemplary quantized print areas withincircular object-contact areas for the OI structure of FIGS. 38a and 38b.

FIG. 40 is a graph of the ratio of the difference in area between a truecircle and a quantized circle as a function of the ratio of the radiusof the true circle to the length/width dimension of identical squaresforming the quantized circle.

FIGS. 41a and 41 b, 42 a and 42 b, 43 a and 43 b, 44 a and 44 b, 45 aand 45 b, 46 a and 46 b, 47 a and 47 b, 48 a and 48 b, 49 a and 49 b,and 50 a and 50 b are cross-sectional side views of ten respectiveembodiments of the OI structure of FIGS. 38a and 38 b.

FIG. 51 is an expanded cross-sectional view of an embodiment of thecellular ISCC structure in the OI structure of FIGS. 41a and 41 b, 44 aand 44 b, 47 a and 47 b, or 49 a and 49 b.

FIG. 52 is an expanded cross-sectional view of an embodiment of thecellular ISCC structure in the OI structure of FIGS. 42a and 42b or 45 aand 45 b.

FIG. 53 is an expanded cross-sectional view of an embodiment of thecellular ISCC structure in the OI structure of FIGS. 43a and 43b or 46 aand 46 b.

FIGS. 54a and 54b are composite block diagrams/layout views of an IPstructure containing an OI structure having a surface for being impactedby an object at an ID area and for changing color along a correspondingprint area of a VC region under control of a duration controller foradjusting color-change (“CC”) duration according to the invention.

FIGS. 55-58 are composite block diagrams/side cross-sectional views offour respective embodiments of the IP structure of FIGS. 54a and 54baccording to the invention. The cross section of the layout portion ofeach of FIGS. 55-58 is taken through plane b4-b4 in FIG. 54 b.

FIGS. 59a and 59b are composite block diagrams/layout views of an IPstructure containing an OI structure having a surface for being impactedby an object at an ID area and for changing color along a correspondingprint area of a cellular VC region under control of a durationcontroller for extending CC duration according to the invention.

FIGS. 60-63 are composite block diagrams/side cross-sectional views offour respective embodiments of the IP structure of FIGS. 59a and 59baccording to the invention. The cross section of the layout portion ofeach of FIGS. 60-63 is taken through plane b5-b5 in FIG. 59 b.

FIGS. 64a and 64b are composite block diagrams/layout views of an IPstructure containing an OI structure having a surface for being impactedby an object at an ID area and for changing color along a correspondingprint area of a VC region under control of an intelligent controlleraccording to the invention.

FIGS. 65-68 are composite block diagrams/side cross-sectional views offour respective embodiments of the IP structure of FIGS. 64a and 64baccording to the invention. The cross section of the layout portion ofeach of FIGS. 65-68 is taken through plane b6-b6 in FIG. 64 b.

FIGS. 69a and 69b are composite block diagrams/layout views of an IPstructure containing an OI structure having a surface for being impactedby an object at an ID area and for changing color along a correspondingprint area of a cellular VC region under control of an intelligentcontroller according to the invention.

FIGS. 70-73 are composite block diagrams/side cross-sectional views offour respective embodiments of the IP structure of FIGS. 69a and 69baccording to the invention. The cross section of the layout portion ofeach of FIGS. 70-73 is taken through plane b7-b7 in FIG. 69 b.

FIGS. 74-77 are composite block diagrams/perspective cross-sectionalviews of four respective IP structures, each containing an OI structurehaving a surface for being impacted by an object at an ID area and forchanging color along a corresponding print area of a VC region and alsohaving an image-generating capability according to the invention.

FIGS. 78a and 78b are layout views of an OI structure having a surfacefor being impacted by an object at an ID area and for changing coloralong a corresponding print area of one or both of two adjoining VCregions according to the invention.

FIGS. 79a and 79b are layout views of an OI structure having a surfacefor being impacted by an object at an ID area and for changing coloralong a corresponding print area of one or more of three consecutivelyadjoining VC regions according to the invention. The cross section ofeach of FIGS. 80 a, 81 a, 82 a, 83 a, 84 a, and 85 a described below istaken through plane a8-a8 in FIG. 79 a. The cross section of each ofFIGS. 80 b, 81 b, 82 b, 83 b, 84 b, and 85 b described below is takenthrough plane b8-b8 in FIG. 79 b. Label a8* in each of FIGS. 80 a, 81 a,82 a, 83 a, 84 a, and 85 a indicates the location of a cross sectiontaken through plane a8*-a8* in FIG. 78 a. Label b8* in each of FIGS. 80b, 81 b, 82 b, 83 b, 84 b, and 85 b indicates the location of a crosssection taken through plane b8*-b8* in FIG. 78 b.

FIGS. 80a and 80 b, 81 a and 81 b, 82 a and 82 b, 83 a and 83 b, 84 aand 84 b, and 85 a and 85 b are cross-sectional side views of sixrespective embodiments of the OI structure of FIGS. 79a and 79 b.

FIGS. 86a and 86b are layout views of an OI structure having a surfacefor being impacted by an object at an ID area and for changing coloralong a corresponding print area of one or both of two adjoiningcellular VC regions according to the invention.

FIGS. 87a and 87b are layout views of an OI structure having a surfacefor being impacted by an object at an ID area and for changing coloralong a corresponding print area of one or more of three consecutivelyadjoining cellular VC regions according to the invention.

FIGS. 88 and 89 are composite block diagrams/layout views of tworespective IP structures, each containing an OI structure having asurface for being impacted by an object at an ID area and for changingcolor along a corresponding print area of one or more of threeconsecutively adjoining VC regions under control of a CC controlleraccording to the invention.

FIGS. 90-93 are composite block diagrams/perspective cross-sectionalviews of four respective IP structures, each containing an OI structurehaving a surface for being impacted by an object at an ID area and forchanging color along a corresponding print area of one or more of threeconsecutively adjoining VC regions and having an image-generatingcapability according to the invention.

FIGS. 94a-94d are layout views of four respective examples of theobject-contact location and resultant print area for the objectvariously impacting the surface in the OI structures of FIGS. 5a and 5b, 78 a and 78 b, and 79 a and 79 b.

FIGS. 95a-95d are screen views of smooth-curve approximations, accordingto the invention, of the print area and nearby surface area respectivelyfor the examples of FIGS. 94a -94 d.

FIGS. 96 and 97 are layout views of two respective exemplary embodimentsof an IP structure implemented into a tennis court according to theinvention.

FIGS. 98-100 are layout views of exemplary embodiments of an IPstructure respectively implemented into a basketball court, a volleyballcourt, and a football field according to the invention.

FIG. 101 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an IPstructure implemented into a baseball or softball field according to theinvention.

FIGS. 102a and 102b are cross-sectional views of two models of a hollowball impacting an inclined surface.

Like reference symbols are employed in the drawings and in thedescription of the preferred embodiment to represent the same, or verysimilar, item or items.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Table of Contents Preliminary Material Basic Object-impact StructureHaving Variable-color Region Timing and Color-difference ParametersObject-impact Structure Having Variable-color Region Formed withImpact-sensitive Changeably Reflective or Changeably Emissive MaterialObject-impact Structure Having Separate Impact-sensitive and Color-change Components Object-impact Structure Having Impact-sensitiveComponent and Changeably Reflective or Changeably Emissive Color-changeComponent Object-impact Structure Having Impact-sensitive Component andColor- change Component that Utilizes Electrode Assembly Configurationand General Operation of Electrode Assembly Electrode Layers and theirCharacteristics and Compositions Reflection-based Embodiments ofColor-change Component with Electrode Assembly Emission-basedEmbodiments of Color-change Component with Electrode AssemblyObject-impact Structure Having Surface Structure for Protection,Pressure Spreading, and/or Velocity Restitution Matching Object-impactStructure Having Deformation-controlled Extended Color-change DurationEquation-form Summary of Light Relationships TransmissivitySpecifications Manufacture of Object-impact Structure Object-impactStructure with Print Area at Least Partly around Unchanged AreaConfigurations of Impact-sensitive Color-change Structure PictorialViews of Color Changing by Light Reflection and Emission Object-impactStructure with Cellular Arrangement Adjustment of Changed-state DurationIntelligent Color-change Control Image Generation and Object TrackingMultiple Variable-color Regions Curve Smoothening Color Change Dependenton Location in Variable-color Region of Single Normal Color SoundGeneration Accommodation of Color Vision Deficiency TennisImplementations Other Sports Implementations Velocity RestitutionMatching Variations

Preliminary Material

The visible light spectrum extends across a wavelength range specifiedas being as narrow as 400-700 nm to as wide as 380-780 nm. Light in thevisible wavelength range produces a continuous variation in spectralcolor from violet to red. A visible color is black, any spectral color,and any color creatable from any combination of spectral colors. Forinstance, visible color includes white, gray, brown, and magenta becauseeach of them is creatable from spectral colors even though none of themis itself in the visible spectrum. Further recitations of color or lightherein mean visible color or visible light. Radiation in the ultravioletand infrared spectra are respectively hereafter termed ultraviolet(“UV”) and infrared (“IR”) radiation.

Various wavelength ranges are reported for the main spectral colors.Although indigo or/and cyan are sometimes identified as main spectralcolors, the main spectral colors are here considered to be violet, blue,green, yellow, orange, and red having the wavelength ranges presented inTable 1 and determined as the averages of the ranges reported in tenreferences rounded off to the nearest 5 nm using the maximum specifiedrange of 380-780 nm for the visible spectrum.

TABLE 1 Color Wavelength Range (nm) Violet 380-445 Blue 445-490 Green490-570 Yellow 570-590 Orange 590-630 Red 630-780

Recitations of light striking, or incident on, a surface of a body meanthat the light strikes, or is incident on, the surface from outside thebody. The color of the surface is determined by the wavelengths of lightleaving the surface and traveling away from the body. Such lightvariously consists of incident light reflected by the body so as toleave it along the surface, light emitted by the body so as to leave italong the surface, and light leaving the body along the surface afterentering the body along one or more other surfaces and passing throughthe body. Even if the characteristics that define the color of thesurface are fixed, its color can differ if it is struck by light ofdifferent wavelength characteristics. For instance, the surface appearsas one color when struck by white light but as another color when struckby non-white light.

If a person directly views the body, the color of the surface isdirectly determined by the wavelengths of the light traveling from thesurface to the person's eye(s) and the brain's interpretation of thosewavelengths. If an image of the surface is captured by a color camerawhose captured image is later viewed by a person, the surface's color isinitially established by the wavelengths of the light traveling from thesurface to the camera. The surface's color as presented in the image isthen determined by the wavelengths of the light traveling from the imageto the person's eye(s) and the brain's interpretation of thosewavelengths. In either case, the wavelengths of light leaving thesurface define its color subject, for the camera, to any colordistortion introduced by the camera.

The radiosity, sometimes termed intensity, of light of a particularcolor is the total power per unit area of that light leaving a bodyalong a surface. The spectral radiosity of light of a particular coloris the total power per unit area per unit wavelength at each wavelengthof light leaving a body along a surface. The spectral radiosityconstituency (or spectral radiosity profile) of light of a particularcolor is the variation (or distribution) of spectral radiosity as afunction of wavelength and defines the wavelength constituency of thatlight. Inasmuch as the spectral radiosity of light is zero outside thevisible spectrum, the radiosity of light of a particular color is theintegral of the spectral radiosity constituency across the visiblespectrum.

Two colors differ when their spectral radiosity constituencies differ.The spectrum-integrated absolute spectral radiosity difference betweenlight of two different colors is the integral of the absolute value ofthe difference between the spectral radiosities of the two colors acrossthe visible spectrum. For light passing through a body, the spectralradiosity of light leaving it may differ from that of light entering itdue to phenomena such as light absorption in the body. For instance, iflight appears as a shade of a color upon entering a body and if thelight's radiosity decreases in passing through the body, the lightappears as a lighter shade of that color upon leaving the body. Whenlight leaving a body along a surface of the body has multiple reflectedcomponents, each reflected component differs from each other reflectedcomponent because the light reflected by each reflected component causesits spectral radiosity constituency to differ from the spectralradiosity constituency of each other reflected component.

The normalized spectral radiosity of light of a particular color is itsspectral radiosity divided by its radiosity. The normalized spectralradiosity constituency of light of a particular color is the variationof its normalized spectral radiosity as a function of wavelength. Theintegral of the normalized spectral radiosity constituency across thevisible spectrum is one. For light passing through a body, use of thesame reference nomenclature to identify the light leaving the body asused to identify the light entering it means that the normalizedspectral radiosity constituency remains essentially the same duringpassage through the body even though the spectral radiosity constituencymay change during the passage. This convention is used below for lightundergoing plane polarization in passing through a body.

Rods and cones in the human eye are sensitive to incoming light. Rodsare generally sensitive to the radiosity of the light. Cones aregenerally sensitive to its spectral radiosity and thus to its wavelengthconstituency. Cones consist of (a) short-wavelength, or “blue”, conessensitive to light typically in the wavelength range of 380-520 nm witha typical peak sensitivity at 420-440 nm, (b) medium-wavelength, or“green”, cones sensitive to light typically in the wavelength range of440-650 nm with a typical peak sensitivity at 535-555 nm, and (c)long-wavelength, or “red”, cones sensitive to light typically in thewavelength range of 480-780 nm with a typical peak sensitivity at565-580 nm. As this data indicates, the sensitivity ranges overlapconsiderably, especially for green and red cones. Electrical impulsesindicative of the stimulation of rods and cones by light are supplied tothe brain which interprets the impulses to assign an appropriate colorpattern to the light.

Light entering the human eye at a wavelength in the medium-wavelengthrange commonly stimulates at least two of the three types of cones andoften all three types. An example clarifies this. Light in the yellowrange, largely 570-590 nm, stimulates red and green cones so that thebrain interprets the impulses from the rods and red and green cones asyellow. Assume that the eye receives equal intensities of light in thegreen range, largely 490-570 nm, and the red range, largely 630-780 nm,for stimulating red and green cones the same as the light in the yellowrange. The brain interprets the electrical impulses from the rods andred and green cones as yellow. Except for the colors at the ends of thevisible spectrum, there is normally a continuous regime of suitablecombinations for creating any color dependent on wavelength andradiosity.

A recitation that two or more colors materially differ herein means thatthe colors differ materially as viewed by a person of standard (oraverage) eyesight/brain-processing capability. The verb “appear”,including grammatical variations such as “appearing”, as used herein forthe chromatic characteristics of light means its apparent color asperceived by the standard human eye/brain. A recitation that a bodyappears along a surface of the body as a specified color means that thebody appears along the surface “largely” as that color. In particular,the spectral radiosity constituency of light of the specified color mayso vary across the surface that the specified color is a composite ofdifferent colors. The surface portions from where light of wavelengthssuitable for the different colors leave the body are usually somicroscopically distributed among one another or/and occupy areasufficiently small that the standard human eye/brain interprets thatlight as essentially a single color.

A “species” of light means light having a particular spectral radiosityconstituency. Although a light species produces a color when only lightof that species leaves a surface of a body, only some of thebelow-described light species are described as being of wavelengthsuitable for forming colors. A recitation that multiple species of thetotal light leaving a body along a surface area form light of wavelengthsuitable for a particular color also means that the body appears alongthe area as that color. A recitation that light leaves a body along anadjoining body means that the light leaves the first body along theinterface between the two bodies and vice versa. When all the lightleaving a body along an internal interface with another body is ofwavelength suitable for a selected color, the first body would visuallyappear as the selected color along the interface if it were an exposedsurface.

Each color identified below by notation beginning with a letter, e.g.,“A” or “X”, means a selected color. Each such selected color may be asingle color or a combination of colors appearing as a single color dueto suitable mixture of light of wavelengths of those colors. Theexpression “light of wavelength” means one or more subranges of thewavelength range of the visible spectrum. When a particular color isidentified by reference notation, the terminology consisting of thatreference notation followed by the word “light” means a species of lightof wavelength of that color, i.e., suitable for forming that color. Forinstance, “V light” means a species of light of wavelength suitable forforming color V. A recitation that two or more colors differ means thatlight of those colors differs. If the colors are indicated as differingin a particular way, e.g., usually or materially, the light of thosecolors differ in the same way.

Instances occur in which a body is described as reflecting or emittinglight of wavelength of a selected color. Letting that light be termedthe “selected color light”, the reflection or emission of the selectedcolor light may occur generally along a surface of the body, i.e.,directly at the surface or/and at locations internal to the body withinshort distances of the surface such that the reflected or emitted lightdoes not undergo significant attenuation in traveling those shortdistances. The body may be sufficiently transmissive of the selectedcolor light that it is alternatively or additionally reflected oremitted inside the body at substantial distances away from the surfaceand undergoes significant attenuation before exiting the body via thesurface. Light striking a body and not reflected by it is absorbedor/and transmitted by it.

The term “encompasses” means is common to (or includes), usually along asurface. For instance, a first item partly encompasses a second itemwhen part of the area of the second item along a suitable surface iscommon to the first item. A description of an essentiallytwo-dimensional first item as “outwardly conforming” to an essentiallytwo-dimensional second item means that the perimeter of the first item,or the outer perimeter of the first item if it is shaped, e.g., as anannulus, to have outer and inner perimeters relative to its center,conforms to the perimeter of the second item, or to the outer perimeterof the second item if it is likewise shaped to have outer and innerperimeters relative to its center.

A “thickness location” of a body means a location extending largelyfully through the body's thickness. There are instances in which thetransmissivity of a body at one or more thickness locations to lightperpendicularly incident on the body at at least wavelength suitable forone or more selected colors is presented as a group of transmissivityspecifications. These transmissivity specifications include a usualminimum value for the body's transmissivity to light perpendicularlyincident on a surface of the body at wavelength suitable for a selectedcolor where the body normally visually appears along the surface as aprincipal color and where an impact-dependent print area of the surfacechanges color in response to an object impacting the surface at anobject-contact area generally outwardly conforming to the print area sothat it temporarily appears as changed color materially different fromthe principal color.

The body may have thickness locations where the transmissivity of theperpendicularly incident light is less than the usual minimum. If so,the corresponding locations along the surface still normally appear asthe principal color due to phenomena such as light scattering andnon-perpendicular light reflection and by arranging for such thicknesslocations to be sufficiently laterally small that their actual colorsare not significantly perceivable by the standard human eye/brain. Anysuch corresponding locations along the print area similarly temporarilyappear as the changed color. The body meets the requisite colorappearances along the surface, including the print area, even though thebody's transmissivity to the incident light is less than the usualminimum at one or more thickness locations.

Material is transparent if the shape of a body separated from thematerial only by air or vacuum can be clearly and accurately seenthrough the material. The material is transparent even if the body'sshape is magnified or shrunk as seen through the material. Transparentmaterial is clear transparent if the color(s) of the body as seenthrough the material are the same as the body's actual color(s).Transparent material is tinted transparent if the color(s) of the bodyas seen through the material differ from the body's actual color(s) dueto tinting light reflection by the material.

Various instances are described below in which light incident on thefirst region of a body containing first and second regions is partlyreflected and partly transmitted by the first region so as to beincident on the second region which at least partly reflects thetransmitted light. The light reflected by the first region is ofwavelength suitable for a first color. The light reflected by the secondregion is of wavelength suitable for a second color. Even if notexplicitly stated, the two colors necessarily differ because lightreflection by the first region causes the spectral radiosityconstituency of the second color to lack at least part of the spectralradiosity constituency of the first color and thus to differ from thespectral radiosity constituency of the first color. If the two regionshave identical reflection characteristics, the second color is blackbecause the first region reflects the light needed for the second colorto be non-black.

The term “impact-dependent” as used in describing a three-dimensionalregion or a surface area means that the lateral extent of the region orarea depends on the lateral extent of the location where an objectimpacts the region or area. Impact-dependent segments of auxiliarylayers, electrode assemblies, electrode structures, and core layers areoften respectively described below as auxiliary segments, assemblysegments, electrode segments, and core segments.

An “arbitrary” shape means any shape and includes shapes notsignificantly restricted to a largely fixed characteristic, such as alargely fixed dimension, along the shape. An arbitrary shape is notlimited to one or more predefined shapes such as polygons, regularclosed curves, and finite-width lines, straight or curved. Recitationsof an action occurring “along” a body or along a surface of a body meanthat the action occurs within a short distance of the surface, ofteninside the body, and not necessarily at the surface. The expressions“situated fully along”, “lying fully along”, “extending fully along”,and grammatical variations mean adjoining along substantially the entirelength (of).

The words “overlying” and “underlying” used below in describingstructures apply to the orientations of those structures as shown in thedrawings. The same applies to “over”, “above, “under”, and “below” asused in a directional sense in describing such structures. These sixwords are to be interpreted to mean corresponding otherdirectional-sense words for structures configured identical to, butoriented differently than, those shown in the drawings.

A majority component of a multi-component item is a componentconstituting more than 50% of the item according to a suitablemeasurement. An N % majority component of a multi-component item is acomponent constituting at least N % of the item where N is a numbergreater than 50. Each provision that light of a first species is a (orthe) majority component of light of a second species means that thelight of the first species is radiositywise, i.e., in terms ofradiosity, a (or the) majority component of light of the second species.A majority component of a color means radiositywise a majority componentof light forming that color. The percentage difference between twovalues of a parameter means the quotient, converted to percent, of theirdifference and average.

The term “normally” refers to actions occurring during the normal state,explained below, in the object-impact structures of the invention, e.g.,the expression “normally appears” means visually appears during thenormal state. Other time-related terms, such as “usually” and“typically”, are used to describe actions occurring during the normalstate but not limited to occurring during the normal state. The term“temporarily” refers to actions occurring during the changed state,defined below, in the object-impact structures, e.g., the expression“temporarily appears” means visually appears during the changed state.Force acting on a body normal, i.e., perpendicular, to a surface whereit is contacted by the body, is termed “orthogonal” force herein toavoid confusion with the meaning of “normal” otherwise used herein.

The term “or/and” or “and/or” between a pair of items means either orboth items. Similarly, “or/and” or “and/or” before the next-to-last itemof three or more items means any one or more, up to all, of the items.Use of multiple groups of items in a sentence where each group of itemshas an “or” before the last item in that group means, except as thecontext otherwise indicates, that the first items in the groups areassociated with each other, that the second items in the groups areassociated with each other, and so on. For instance, a recitation of theform “Item J1, J2, or J3 is connected to item K1, K2, or K3” means thatitem J1 is connected to item K1, item J2 is connected to item K2, anditem J3 is connected to item K3. The plural term “criteria” is generallyused below to describe the various types of standards used in theinvention because each type of standards is generally capable ofconsisting of multiple standards.

All recitations of the same, uniform, identical, a single, singly, full,only, constant, fixed, all, the entire, straight, flat, planar,parallel, perpendicular, conform, continuous, adjacent, adjoin,opposite, symmetrical, mirror image, simultaneous, independent,transparent, block, absorb, non-emissive, passive, prevent, absent, andgrammatical variations ending in “ly” respectively mean largely thesame, largely uniform, largely identical, largely a single, largelysingly, largely fully, largely only, largely constant, largely fixed,largely all, largely the entire, largely straight, largely flat, largelyplanar, largely parallel, largely perpendicular, largely conform,largely continuous, largely adjacent, largely adjoin, largely opposite,largely symmetrical, largely mirror image, largely simultaneous, largelyindependent, largely transparent, largely block, largely absorb, largelynon-emissive, largely passive, largely prevent, largely absent, and“largely” followed by the variations ending in “ly” except as otherwiseindicated. A recitation that multiple light species form a further lightspecies includes the meaning that the multiple species largely form thefurther light species. Each recitation providing that later textualmaterial is the same as earlier textual material means that the earliermaterial is incorporated by reference into the later material.

Each signal described below as being transmitted via a communicationpath, e.g., in a network of communication paths, is transmittedwirelessly or via one or more electrical wires of that communicationpath. A recitation that a body undergoes a change in response to asignal means that that the change occurs due to a change in a variable,e.g., current and voltage, in which the signal exists. Light providedfrom a particular source or in a particular way such as emission orreflection may be viewed as a light beam. Light provided from multiplesources or in multiple ways may be viewed as multiple light beams.

The terms “conductive”, “resistive”, and “insulating” respectively meanelectrically conductive, electrically resistive, and electricallyinsulating except as otherwise indicated. A material having aresistivity less than 10 ohm-cm at 300° K (approximately usual roomtemperature) is deemed to be conductive. A material having a resistivitygreater than 10¹⁰ ohm-cm at 300° K is deemed to be insulating (ordielectric). A material having a resistivity from 10 ohm-cm to 10¹⁰ohm-cm at 300° K is deemed to be resistive. Resistive materials conductcurrent with the conduction capability progressively increasing as theresistivity decreases from 10¹⁰ ohm-cm to 10 ohm-cm at 300° K. Inasmuchas conductivity is the inverse of resistivity, conductivity-basedcriteria are numerically the inverse of resistivity-based criteria.

The order in which the elements of an inorganic chemical compound appearbelow in the compound's chemical name or/and chemical formula generallyfollows the standards of the International Union of Pure and AppliedChemistry (“IUPAC”). That is, a more electronegative element follows aless electronegative element in the name and formula of an inorganiccompound. In some situations, use of the IUPAC element-orderingconvention for inorganic compounds results in element orderingsdifferent from that generally or sometimes used. Such situations areaccommodated herein by presenting other orderings of the chemicalformulas in brackets following the IUPAC chemical formulas.

The following acronyms are used as adjectives below to shorten thedescription. “AB” means assembly. “ALA” means attack-line-adjoining.“ALV” means attack-line-vicinity. “BC” means backcourt. “BLA” meansbaseline-adjoining. “BP” means beyond-path. “By” meansboundary-vicinity. “CC” means color-change. “CE” means changeablyemissive. “CI” means characteristics-identifying. “CLA” meanscenterline-adjoining. “CM” means criteria-meeting. “COM” meanscommunication. “CR” means changeably reflective. “DE” meansduration-extension. “DF” means deformation. “DP” meansdistributed-pressure. “ELA” means endline-adjoining orend-line-adjoining. “EM” means electromagnetic. “FA” means farauxiliary. “FC” means fixed-color. “FE” means far electrode. “FLT” meansfoul-territory. “FLV” means foul-line-vicinity. “FRT” meansfair-territory. “GAB” means general assembly. “GFA” means general farauxiliary. “HA” means half-alley. “IB” means inbounds. “ID” means“impact-dependent”. “IDVC” means impact-dependent variable-color. “IF”means interface. “IG” means image-generating. “IP” meansinformation-presentation. “IS” means impact-sensitive. “ISCC” meansimpact-sensitive color-change. “LA” means line-adjoining. “LC” meansliquid-crystal. “LE” means light-emissive. “LI” meanslocation-identifying. “NA” means near auxiliary. “NE” means nearelectrode. “OB” means out-of-bounds. “OC” means object-contact. “OI”means object-impact. “OS” means object-separation. “OT” meansobject-tracking. “PA” means print-area. “PAV” means print-area vicinity.“PS” means pressure-spreading. “PSCC” means pressure-sensitivecolor-change. “PZ” means polarization. “RA” means reflection-adjusting.“QC” means quartercourt. “SC” means servicecourt. “SF” means surface.“SLA” means sideline-adjoining or side-line-adjoining. “SS” meanssurface-structure. “SVLA” means serviceline-adjoining. “TH” meansthreshold. “VA” means voltage-application. “VC” means variable-color.“WI” means wavelength-independent. “XN” means transition. “3P” meansthree-point. “3PL” means three-point-line. “3PLV” meansthree-point-line-vicinity.

Basic Object-Impact Structure having Variable-Color Region

FIGS. 5a-5c (collectively “FIG. 5”) illustrate the layout of a basicobject-impact structure 100 which undergoes reversible color changesalong an externally exposed surface 102 according to the invention whenexposed surface 102 is impacted by an object 104 during an activity suchas a sport. “OI” hereafter means object-impact. “Impact” hereafter meansimpact of object 104 on surface 102. FIG. 5a presents the general layoutof OI structure 100. FIGS. 5b and 5c depict exemplary color changes thatoccur along surface 102 due to the impact. Object 104 leaves surface 102subsequent to impact and is indicated in dashed line in FIGS. 5b and 5cat locations shortly after impact. Although object 104 is often directedtoward particular locations on surface 102, object 104 can generallyimpact anywhere on surface 102.

Object 104 is typically airborne and separated from other solid matterprior to impact. For a sports activity, object 104 is typically a sportsinstrument such as a spherical ball, e.g., a tennis ball, basketball, orvolleyball when the activity is tennis, basketball, or volleyball.Object 104 can, however, be part of a larger body that may not beairborne prior to impact. For instance, object 104 can be a shoe on afoot of a person such as a tennis, basketball, or volleyball player.Different embodiments of OI structure 100 can be employed, usually indifferent parts of surface 102, so that the embodiments of object 104differ from OI embodiment to OI embodiment.

OI structure 100, which serves as or in an information-presentationstructure, is used in determining whether object 104 impacts a specifiedzone of surface 102. In this regard, structure 100 contains a principalvariable-color region 106 and a secondary fixed-color region 108 whichmeet at a region-region interface 110. “VC” and “FC” hereafterrespectively mean variable-color and fixed-color. Although interface 110appears straight in FIG. 5, VC region 106 and FC region 108 can bevariously geometrically configured along interface 110, e.g., curved, orflat and curved. They can meet at corners. FC region 108 can extendpartly or fully laterally around VC region 106 and vice versa. Forinstance, region 108 can adjoin region 106 along two or more sides ofregion 106 if it is shaped laterally like a polygon and vice versa.

VC region 106 extends to surface 102 at a principal VC surface zone 112and normally appears along it as a principal surface color A during theactivity. See FIG. 5 a. “SF” hereafter means surface. This occursbecause only A light normally leaves region 106 along SF zone 112.Region 106 is then in a state termed the “normal state”. Recitationshereafter of (a) region 106 normally appearing as principal SF color Amean that region 106 normally appears along zone 112 as color A, (b) Alight leaving region 106 mean that A light leaves it via zone 112, and(c) colors and color changes respectively mean colors present, and colorchanges occurring, during the activity. Region 106 contains principalimpact-sensitive color-change structure along or below all of zone 112.“ISCC” hereafter means impact-sensitive color-change. Examples of theISCC structure, not separately indicated in FIG. 5, are described belowand shown in later drawings. Region 106 may contain other structuredescribed below.

FC region 108, which extends to surface 102 at a secondary FC SF zone114, fixedly appears along FC SF zone 114 as a secondary SF color A′.Secondary SF color A′ is often the same as, but can differ significantlyfrom, principal color A. Region 108 can consist of multiple secondary FCsubregions extending to zone 114 so that consecutive ones appear alongzone 114 as different secondary colors A′. Except as indicated below,region 108 is hereafter treated as appearing along zone 114 as only onecolor A′. SF zones 112 and 114 meet at an SF edge of interface 110.

An impact-dependent portion of VC region 106 responds to object 104impacting SF zone 112 at a principal impact-dependent object-contactarea 116 (laterally) spanning where object 104 contacts (or contacted)zone 112 by temporarily appearing along a corresponding principalimpact-dependent print area 118 of zone 112 as a generic changed SFcolor X (a) in some general OI embodiments if the impact meets (orsatisfies) principal basic threshold impact criteria or (b) in othergeneral OI embodiments if region 106, specifically the impact-dependentportion, is provided with a principal general color-change controlsignal generated in response to the impact meeting the principal basicthreshold impact criteria sometimes (conditionally) dependent on otherimpact criteria also being met in those other embodiments. See FIGS. 5band 5 c. “ID”, “OC”, “TH”, and “CC” hereafter respectively meanimpact-dependent, object-contact, threshold, and color-change. The IDportion of region 106 is hereafter termed the principal IDVC portionwhere “IDVC” hereafter means impact-dependent variable-color. Instancesin which the principal IDVC portion, often simply the IDVC portion,changes to appear as generic changed SF color X along ID print area 118in response to the principal general CC control signal are describedbelow, particularly beginning with the structure of FIGS. 64a and 64 b.

ID OC area 116 is capable of being of substantially arbitrary shape.Print area 118 constitutes part of zone 112, all of which is capable oftemporarily appearing as generic changed SF color X. Print area 118closely matches OC area 116 in size, shape, and location. In particular,print area 118 at least partly encompasses OC area 116, at least mostly,usually fully, outwardly conforms to it, and is largely concentric withit. The principal basic TH impact criteria can vary with where printarea 118 occurs in zone 112.

When VC region 106 includes structure besides the ISCC structure, an IDsegment of the ISCC structure specifically responds to object 104impacting OC area 116 by causing the IDVC portion to temporarily appearalong print area 118 as changed color X (a) in some general OIembodiments if the impact meets the basic TH impact criteria or (b) inother general OI embodiments if the ID ISCC segment is provided with thegeneral CC control signal generated in response to the impact meetingthe basic TH impact criteria again sometimes dependent on other impactcriteria also being met in those other embodiments. In any event, theappearance of the IDVC portion along area 118 as changed SF color Xoccurs because only X light temporarily leaves the IDVC portion alongarea 118. Color X differs materially from color A and usually from colorA′. Hence, X light differs materially from A light. Recitationshereafter of (a) the IDVC portion temporarily appearing as color X meanthat the IDVC portion temporarily appears along area 118 as color X and(b) X light leaving the IDVC portion mean that X light leaves it viaarea 118.

Importantly, the impact usually leads to color change along surface 102only at print area 118 closely matching OC area 116 in size, shape, andlocation. Although other impacts of object 104 may cause color change atother locations along surface 102, a particular impact of object 104usually does not lead to, and is usually incapable of leading to, colorchange at any location along surface 102 other than print area 118 forthat impact. Persons viewing surface 102 therefore need essentially notbe concerned about a false color change along surface 102, i.e., a colorchange not accurately representing area 116.

The spectral radiosity constituency of A light may vary across SF zone112. That is, principal color A may be a composite of different colorssuch as primary colors red, green, and blue. The parts of zone 112 fromwhere light of wavelengths for the different colors leaves zone 112 areusually so microscopically distributed among one another that thestandard human eye/brain interprets that light as essentially a singlecolor.

The spectral radiosity constituency of X light may similarly vary acrossprint area 118 so that changed color X is also a composite of differentcolors. One color in such a color X composite may be color A or, if itis a composite of different colors, one or more colors in the color Xcomposite may be the same as one or more colors in the color Acomposite. If so, the parts of area 118 from where light of wavelengthsfor the different colors in the color X composite leaves area 118 are somicroscopically distributed among one another that, across area 118, thestandard human eye/brain does not separately distinguish color A or anycolor identical to a color in the color A composite. Color X,specifically the color X composite, still differs materially from colorA despite the color X composite containing color A or a color identicalto a color in the color A composite.

The principal basic TH impact criteria consist of one or more TH impactcharacteristics which the impact must meet for the IDVC portion totemporarily appear as color X. There are two primary locations forassessing the impact's effects to determine whether the TH impactcriteria are met: (i) directly at SF zone 112 and (ii) along a plane,termed the internal plane, extending laterally through VC region 106generally parallel to, and spaced apart from, zone 112. In either case,the impact is typically characterized by an impact parameter P thatvaries between a perimeter (first) value P_(pr) and an interior (second)value P_(in). For zone 112, perimeter value P_(pr) exists along theperimeter of OC area 116 while interior value P_(in) exists at one ormore points inside area 116. For the internal plane, perimeter valueP_(pr) exists along the perimeter of a projection of area 116 onto theinternal plane while interior value P_(in) exists at one or more pointsinside that projection. Area 116 and the projection can differ in sizeas long as a line extending perpendicular to area 116 through its centeralso extends perpendicular to the projection through its center. Thedifference ΔP_(max) between values P_(pr) and P_(in) is the absolutevalue of the maximum difference between any two values of impactparameter P across area 116 or the projection.

For the situation in which the IDVC portion temporarily appears aschanged color X if the impact meets the basic TH impact criteria andthus momentarily putting aside the situation dealt with further below inwhich the IDVC portion temporarily appears as color X if the ID ISCCsegment is provided with the general CC control signal generated inresponse to both the TH impact criteria and other impact criteria beingmet, the TH impact criteria are met at each point, termed acriteria-meeting point, inside OC area 116 or the projection of area 116where the absolute value ΔP of the difference between impact parameter Pand perimeter value P_(pr) equals or exceeds a local TH value ΔP_(thl)of parameter difference ΔP. “CM” hereafter means criteria-meeting. LocalTH parameter difference value ΔP_(thl) lies between zero and maximumparameter difference ΔP_(max). For each CM point, a corresponding pointalong SF zone 112 temporarily appears along zone 112 as color X. Thesechanged-color points form print area 118.

If the impact's effects are assessed along SF zone 112, eachchanged-color point along zone 112 is usually the same as thecorresponding CM point. Print area 118 is smaller than OC area 116because a band 120 not containing any CM point lies between theperimeters of areas 116 and 118. Perimeter band 120 appears as color Aas indicated in FIGS. 5b and 5 c. If the impact's effects are assessedalong the internal plane, each changed-color point along zone 112 isusually located opposite, or nearly opposite, the corresponding CMpoint. Print area 118 can be smaller or larger than OC area 116depending on the size of area 116 relative to that of the projection.Print area 118 is usually smaller than OC area 116 when the projectionis of the same size as, or smaller than, area 116. Depending on how wellprint area 118 outwardly conforms to OC area 116, area 118 can be partlyinside and partly outside area 116 in the projection case.

Local TH parameter difference value ΔP_(thl) is preferably the same atevery point subject to the TH impact criteria. If so, local differencevalue ΔP_(thl) is replaced with a fixed global TH value ΔP_(thg) ofparameter difference ΔP. Local TH value ΔP_(thl) can, however, differfrom point to point subject to the TH impact criteria. In that case, theΔP_(thl) values for the points subject to the TH impact criteria form alocal TH parameter difference function dependent on the location of eachpoint subject to the TH impact criteria.

Impact parameter P can be implemented in various ways. In oneimplementation, parameter P is pressure resulting from object 104impacting SF zone 112, specifically OC area 116. In the followingmaterial, normal pressure at any point in VC region 106 means pressureexistent at that point when it is not significantly subjected to anyeffect of the impact. Normal SF pressure along zone 112 means normalexternal pressure, usually atmospheric pressure nominally 1 atm, alongzone 112. Normal internal pressure at any point inside region 106 meansinternal pressure existent at that point when it is not significantlysubjected to any effect of the impact. Excess pressure at any point ofregion 106 means pressure in excess of normal pressure at that point.Excess SF pressure along zone 112 then means pressure in excess ofnormal SF pressure along zone 112. Excess internal pressure at any pointinside region 106 means internal pressure in excess of normal internalpressure at that point.

Object 104 exerts force on OC area 116 during the impact. This force isexpressible as excess SF pressure across area 116. The excess SFpressure reaches a maximum value at one or more points inside area 116and drops largely to zero along its perimeter. With the excess SFpressure across SF zone 112 embodying impact parameter difference ΔP,the TH impact criteria become principal basic excess SF pressurecriteria requiring that the excess pressure at a point along zone 112equal or exceed a local TH value for that point in order for it to be aTH CM point and temporarily appear as color X. Each local TH excess SFpressure value, which can embody local TH parameter difference valueΔP_(thl) depending on the internal configuration of OI structure 100,lies between zero and the maximum excess SF pressure value.

Reducing the TH values of excess SF pressure causes the size ofA-colored perimeter band 120 to be reduced and print area 118 to moreclosely match OC area 116. However, this also causes SF zone 112 to besusceptible to undesired color changes due to bodies other than object104 impacting zone 112 with less force than object 104 usually impactszone 112. The TH excess SF pressure values are chosen to be sufficientlylow as to make band 120 quite small while limiting the likelihood ofsuch undesired color changes as much as reasonably feasible.

The excess SF pressure causes excess internal pressure to be producedinside VC region 106. The excess internal pressure is localized mostlyto material along OC area 116. Similar to the excess SF pressure, theexcess internal pressure along the projection of area 116 onto theinternal plane reaches a maximum value at one or more points inside theprojection and drops largely to zero along its perimeter. The excessinternal pressure along the internal plane can embody impact parameterdifference ΔP. The TH impact criteria along the internal plane becomeprincipal basic excess internal pressure criteria requiring that theexcess internal pressure at a point along the internal plane equal orexceed a local TH value for that point in order for the correspondingpoint along SF zone 112 to temporarily appear as color X. Each local THexcess internal pressure value, which can embody local TH parameterdifference value ΔP_(thl), lies between zero and the maximum excessinternal pressure value.

The impact usually causes VC region 106 to significantly deform along OCarea 116. If so, impact parameter P can be a measure of the deformation.For this purpose, item 122 in FIG. 5b or 5 c indicates the ID area wherethe impact causes SF zone 112 to deform. Area 122, termed the principalSF deformation area, outwardly conforms to OC area 116 and encompassesat least part of, usually most of, area 116. “DF” hereafter meansdeformation. Although ID SF DF area 122 is sometimes slightly smallerthan OC area 116, area 116 is also labeled as area 122 in FIGS. 5b and5c and in later drawings to simplify the representation. Item 124 inFIG. 5b or 5 c indicates the total ID area where object 104 contactssurface 102 and, as shown in FIG. 5 c, can extend into FC SF zone 114.

The deformation reaches a maximum value at one or more points inside SFDF area 122 and drops largely to zero along its perimeter. With thedeformation along SF zone 112 embodying impact parameter difference ΔP,the TH impact criteria become principal basic SF DF criteria requiringthat the deformation at a point along zone 112 equal or exceed a localTH value for that point in order for it to temporarily appear as colorX. Each local TH SF DF value lies between zero and the maximum SF DFvalue. Inasmuch as reducing the TH SF DF values for causing print area118 to more closely match OC area 116 also causes zone 112 to besusceptible to undesired color changes due to bodies other than object104 impacting zone 112 with less force than object 104 usually impactszone 112, the TH SF DF values are chosen to be sufficiently low as toachieve good matching between areas 116 and 118 while limiting thelikelihood of such undesired color changes as much as reasonablyfeasible.

The deformation along SF zone 112 may go into a vibrating mode in whichthe IDVC portion contracts and expands at an amplitude that rapidly diesout. Such vibrational deformation may sometimes be needed for the IDVCportion to temporarily appear as color X. If vibrational deformationoccurs, the associated range of frequencies arising from the impact canbe incorporated into the principal SF DF criteria to further reduce thelikelihood of undesired color changes.

Local TH value ΔP_(thl) of impact parameter difference ΔP has beendescribed above as essentially a fixed value so that the color along theperimeter of print area 118 changes abruptly from color A to color X inmoving from outside area 118 to inside it. However, the temporary colorchange along the perimeter of area 118 often occurs in a narrowtransition band (not shown) which extends along the perimeter of area118 and in which the color progressively changes from color A to color Xin crossing from outside the perimeter transition band to inside it.This arises because the transition from color A to color X largelystarts to occur as parameter difference ΔP passes a low local TH valueΔP_(thll) for each point subject to the TH impact criteria and largelycompletes the color change as difference ΔP passes, for that point, ahigh local TH value ΔP_(thlh) greater than low value ΔP_(thll). Local THvalue ΔP_(thl) for each point subject to the TH impact criteria istypically that point's high TH value ΔP_(thlh) but can be a valuebetween, e.g., halfway between, that point's TH values ΔP_(thll) andΔP_(thlh). For implementations of difference ΔP with excess pressure ordeformation, the transition from color A to color X largely starts tooccur as excess pressure or deformation passes a low local TH excesspressure or DF value for each point subject to the TH impact criteriaand largely completes the color change as excess pressure or deformationpasses a high local TH excess pressure or DF value for that point.

OI structure 100 is usually arranged and operated so that genericchanged color X is capable of being only a single (actual) color.However, the principal basic TH impact criteria can consist of multiplesets of fully different, i.e., nonoverlapping, principal basic TH impactcriteria respectively corresponding to multiple specific (or specified)changed colors materially different from principal color A. More thanone, typically all, of the specific changed colors differ, usuallymaterially. The impact on OC area 116 of SF zone 112 is potentiallycapable of meeting (or satisfying) any of the principal basic TH impactcriteria sets. If the impact meets the basic TH impact criteria, genericchanged color X is the specific changed color for the basic TH impactcriteria set actually met by the impact sometimes dependent on othercriteria also being met. The basic TH impact criteria sets usually forma continuous chain in which consecutive criteria sets meet each otherwithout overlapping.

The basic TH impact criteria sets can sometimes be mathematicallydescribed as follows in terms of impact parameter difference ΔP. Lettingn be an integer greater than 1, n principal basic TH impact criteriasets S₁, S₂, . . . S_(n) are respectively associated with n specificchanged colors X₁, X₂, . . . X_(n) materially different from principalcolor A and with n progressively increasing local TH parameterdifference values ΔP_(thl,1), ΔP_(thl,2), . . . ΔP_(thl,n) lying betweenzero and maximum parameter difference ΔP_(max). Each local TH parameterdifference value ΔP_(thl,i), except lowest-numbered value ΔP_(thl,1),thereby exceeds next-lowest-numbered value ΔP_(thl,i−1) where integer ivaries from 1 to n.

Each basic TH impact criteria set S_(i), except highest-numberedcriteria set S_(n), is defined by the requirement that parameterdifference ΔP equal or exceed local TH parameter difference valueΔP_(thl,i) but be no greater than an infinitesimal amount below a higherlocal parameter difference value ΔP_(thh,i) less than or equal to nexthigher local TH parameter difference value ΔP_(thl,i+1). Each criteriaset S_(i), except set S_(n), is a ΔP range R_(i) extending between a lowlimit equal to TH difference value ΔP_(thl,i) and a high limit aninfinitesimal amount below high difference value ΔP_(thh,i).Highest-numbered criteria set S_(n) is defined by the requirement thatdifference ΔP equal or exceed local TH parameter difference valueΔP_(thl,n) but not exceed a higher local parameter difference valueΔP_(thh,n) less than or equal to maximum parameter difference ΔP_(max).Hence, highest-numbered set S_(n) is a ΔP range R_(n) extending betweena low limit equal to TH difference value ΔP_(thl,n) and a high limitequal to high difference value ΔP_(thh,n).

High-limit difference value ΔP_(thh,i) for each range R_(i), excepthighest range R_(n), usually equals low-limit difference valueΔP_(thl,i+1) for next higher range R_(n+1), and high-limit differencevalue ΔP_(thh,n) for highest range R_(n) usually equals maximumdifference ΔP_(max). In that case, criteria sets S₁-S_(n) substantiallyfully cover a total ΔP range extending continuously from lowestdifference value ΔP_(thl,1) to maximum difference ΔP_(max). Impactparameter difference ΔP c potentially capable of meeting any of criteriasets S₁-S_(n). If the impact meets the TH impact criteria so thatdifference ΔP meets the TH impact criteria, changed color X is specificchanged color X_(i) for criteria set S_(i) actually met by differenceΔP. Should each local TH difference value ΔP_(thl,i) be the same atevery point subject to the TH impact criteria, each local TH differencevalue ΔP_(thl,1) is replaced with a fixed global TH value ΔP_(thg,i) ofdifference ΔP.

The TH impact criteria sets can, for example, consist of fully differentranges of excess SF pressure across OC area 116 or excess internalpressure along the projection of area 116 onto the internal plane. Eachrange of excess SF or internal pressure is associated with a differentone of the specific changed colors. Changed color X is then specificchanged color X_(i) for the range of excess SF or internal pressure metby the impact. The low limit of each pressure range is the minimum valueof excess SF or internal pressure for causing color X to be specificchanged color X; for that pressure range. The high limit of eachpressure range, except the highest pressure range, is preferably aninfinitesimal amount below the low limit of the next highest range sothat the TH impact criteria sets occupy a continuous total pressurerange beginning at the low limit of the lowest range. All the specificchanged colors X₁-X_(n) preferably differ materially from one another.

Use of TH impact criteria sets provides a capability to distinguishbetween certain different types of impacts. For instance, if the maximumexcess SF pressure usually exerted by one embodiment of object 104exceeds the minimum excess SF pressure usually exerted by anotherembodiment of object 104, appropriate choice of the TH impact criteriasets enables OI structure 100 to distinguish between impacts of the twoobject embodiments. In tennis, suitable choice of the TH impact criteriasets enables structure 100 to distinguish between impacts of a tennisball and impacts of other bodies which usually impact SF zone 112 harderor softer than a tennis ball. Color X is generally dealt with below as asingle color even though it can be provided as one of multiple changedcolors dependent on the TH impact criteria sets.

The change, or switch, from color A to color X along print area 118places VC region 106 in a state, termed the “changed” state, in which Xlight temporarily leaves the IDVC portion along area 118. In the changedstate, region 106 continues to appear as color A along the remainder ofSF zone 112 except possibly at any location where another temporarychange to color X occurs during the current temporary color change dueto object 104 also impacting zone 112 so as to meet the TH impactcriteria. The IDVC portion later returns to appearing as color A. Ifanother change to color X occurs during the current temporary colorchange at any location along zone 112 due to another impact, any othersuch location along zone 112 likewise later returns to appearing ascolor A. Region 106 later returns to appearing as color A along all ofzone 112 so as to return, or switch back, to the normal state. Theimpacts can be by the same or different embodiments of object 104.

An occurrence of the changed state herein means only the temporary colorchange due to the impact causing that changed-state occurrence. If,during a changed-state occurrence, object 104 of the same or a differentembodiment again impacts SF zone 112 sufficient to meet the TH impactcriteria, any temporary color change which that further impact causesalong zone 112 during the current changed-state occurrence constitutesanother changed-state occurrence. Multiple changed-state occurrences canthus overlap in time. Print area 118 of one of multiple time-overlappingchanged-state occurrences can also overlap with area 118 of at least oneother one of those changed-state occurrences. The situation of multipletime-overlapping changed-state occurrences is not expressly mentionedfurther below in order to shorten this description. However, anyrecitation below specifying that a VC region, such as VC region 106,returns to the normal state after the changed state means that, if thereare multiple time-overlapping changed-state occurrences, the VC regionreturns to the normal state after the last of those occurrences without(fully) returning to the normal state directly after any earlier one ofthose occurrences.

VC region 106 is in the changed state for a CC duration (or time period)Δt_(dr) generally defined as the interval from the time at which printarea 118 first fully appears as changed color X to the time at whicharea 118 starts returning to color A, i.e., the interval during whicharea 118 temporarily appears as color X. CC duration Δt_(dr) is usuallyat least 2 s in order to allow persons using OI structure 100 sufficienttime to clearly determine that area 118 exists and where it exists alongSF zone 112. Duration Δt_(dr) is often at least 4 s, sometimes at least6 s, and is usually no more than 60 s but can be 120 s or more.

In particular, the Δt_(dr) length depends considerably on the type ofactivity for which OI structure 100 is being used. If the activity is aball-based sport such as tennis, basketball, volleyball, orbaseball/softball, CC duration Δt_(dr) is desirably long enough forplayers and observers, including any sports official(s), to clearlydetermine the location of print area 118 on SF zone 112 but not so longas to significantly interrupt play. The Δt_(dr) length for such a sportis usually at least 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 s, can be at least 15, 20, or30 s, and is usually no more than 60 s but can be longer, e.g., up to 90or 120 s or more, or shorter, e.g., no more than 30, 20, 15, 10, 8, or 6s. For such a ball-based sport in which the ball embodying object 104bounces off surface 102, duration Δt_(dr) is usually much longer thanthe time duration (or contact time) Δt_(oc), almost always less than 25ms, during which the ball contacts zone 112 during the impact.

CC duration Δt_(dr) may be at an automatic (or natural) value Δt_(drau)that includes a base portion Δt_(drbs) passively determined by the(physical/chemical) properties of the material(s) in the ISCC structure.Base duration Δt_(drbs) is fixed (constant) for a given set ofenvironmental conditions, including a given external temperature and agiven external pressure, nominally 1 atm, at identical impactconditions. VC region 106 may contain componentry, described below,which automatically extends duration Δt_(dr) by an amount Δt_(drext)beyond base duration Δt_(drbs). Automatic duration value Δt_(drau)consists of base duration Δt_(drbs) and potentially extension durationΔt_(drext). Automatic value Δt_(drau) is usually at least 2 s, often atleast 4 s, sometimes at least 6 s, and usually no more than 60 s, oftenno more than 30 s, sometimes no more than 15 s. Absent externally causedadjustment, the changed state automatically terminates at the end ofvalue Δt_(drau).

Automatic duration value Δt_(drau) is usually in a principalpre-established CC time duration range, i.e., an impact-to-impactΔt_(dr) range established prior to impact. The length of thepre-established CC duration range, i.e., the time period between its lowand high ends from impact to impact, is relatively small, usually nomore than 2 s, preferably no more than 1 s, more preferably no more than0.5 s, so that the impact-to-impact variation in automatic valueΔt_(drau) is quite small.

The appearance of VC region 106 as color A during the normal stateoccurs while OI structure 100 is in operation. The production of color Aduring structure operation often occurs passively, i.e., only by lightreflection. Region 106 thus appears as color A when structure 100 isinactive. However, color A can be produced actively, e.g., by an actioninvolving light emission from region 106. If so, the light emission isusually terminated to save power when structure 100 is inactive. In thatcase, region 106 appears as another color, termed passive color P, alongSF zone 112 while structure 100 is inactive. Passive color P, which canbe the same as secondary color A′, necessarily differs from color A andusually from color X.

FIG. 5b presents an example in which object 104 contacts surface 102fully within SF zone 112. Total ID OC area 124 here is the same as OCarea 116. Print area 118 encompasses most of, and fully conforms to, OCarea 116 so that areas 116 and 118 are largely concentric. Hence, printarea 118 fully outwardly conforms to OC area 116. FIG. 22a belowpresents an example, similar to that of FIG. 5 b, in which print area118 fully outwardly conforms to OC area 116 and does not fully inwardlyconform to area 116.

FIG. 5c presents an example in which object 104 contacts surface 102within both of SF zones 112 and 114 in the same impact. Total OC area124 here consists of OC area 116 and an adjoining secondary ID OC area126 of zone 114. The impact on secondary ID OC area 126 does not causeit to change color significantly. Hence, area 126 largely remainssecondary color A′. Print area 118 at least partly encompasses OC area116 and may, or may not, encompass most of it depending on the sizes ofOC areas 116 and 126 and perimeter band 120 relative to one another.Print area 118 fully outwardly conforms to OC area 116 so as to belargely concentric with it. FIG. 22b below presents an example, similarto that of FIG. 5 c, in which print area 118 outwardly conforms mostly,but not fully, to OC area 116 and does not inwardly conform mostly toit.

The impact on both of OC areas 116 and 126 is sometimes insufficient tomeet the principal TH impact criteria for principal area 116 even thoughthe TH impact criteria would be met if total OC area 124 were in SF zone112. If so, area 116 may continue to appear as color A. Alternatively,FC region 108 contains impact-sensitive material extending alonginterface 110 to a distance approximately equal to the maximum lateraldimension of print area 118 during impacts. Although secondary OC area126 remains color A′ after the impact, the combination of theimpact-sensitive material in region 108 and the ISCC material in VCregion 106 causes print area 118 to temporarily appear as color X if theimpact meets composite basic TH impact criteria usually numerically thesame as the principal basic TH impact criteria.

FIGS. 6a -6 c, 11 a-11 c, 12 a-12 c, 13 a-13 c, 14 a-14 c, 15 a-15 c, 16a-16 c, 17 a-17 c, 18 a-18 c, and 19 a-19 c present side cross sectionsof ten embodiments of OI structure 100 where each triad of Figs. ja-jcfor integer j being 6 and then varying from 11 to 19 depicts a differentembodiment. The basic side cross sections, and thus how the embodimentsappear in the normal state, are respectively shown in FIGS. 6 a, 11 a,12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a, 17 a, 18 a, and 19 a corresponding to FIG.5 a. FIGS. 6 b, 11 b, 12 b, 13 b, 14 b, 15 b, 16 b, 17 b, 18 b, and 19 bcorresponding to FIG. 5b present examples of changes that occur duringthe changed state when object 104 impacts fully within SF zone 112.FIGS. 6 c, 11 c, 12 c, 13 c, 14 c, 15 c, 16 c, 17 c, 18 c, and 19 cpresent examples of changes that occur during the changed state whenobject 104 simultaneously impacts both of SF zones 112 and 114.

Referring to FIGS. 6a-6c (collectively “FIG. 6”), they illustrate ageneral embodiment 130 of OI structure 100 for which duration Δt_(dr) ofthe changed state is automatic value Δt_(drau) absent externally causedadjustment. VC region 106 here consists only of the ISCC structureindicated here and later as item 132. In FIG. 6, surface 102 is flat andextends parallel to a plane generally tangent to Earth's surface.However, surface 102 can be significantly curved. Even when surface 102is flat, it can extend at a significant angle to a plane generallytangent to Earth's surface as exemplified below in FIGS. 102a and 102 b.Interface 110 between color regions 106 and 108 extends perpendicular tosurface 102. See FIG. 6 a. Interface 110 can be a flat surface or acurved surface which appears straight along a plane extending throughregions 106 and 108 perpendicular to surface 102. Regions 106 and 108lie on a substructure (or substrate) 134 usually consisting ofinsulating material at least where they meet substructure 134 along aflat region-substructure interface 136 extending parallel to surface102.

Largely no light is usually transmitted or emitted by substructure 134so as to cross interface 136 and exit VC region 106 via SF zone 112. Nordoes largely any light usually enter region 106 along interface 110 orany other side surface of region 106 so as to exit it via zone 112. Inshort, light usually enters region 106 only along zone 112. Changes inthe visual appearance of region 106 largely depend only on (a) incidentlight reflected by region 106 so as to exit it via zone 112, (b) anylight emitted by region 106 and exiting it via zone 112, and (c) anylight entering region 106 along zone 112, passing through region 106,reflected by substructure 134, passing back through region 106, andexiting it along zone 112.

Light (if any) reflected by substructure 134 so as to leave it along VCregion 106 during the normal state is termed ARsb light. Preferably, noARsb light is present. All light striking SF zone 112 is preferablyabsorbed by region 106 or/and reflected by it so as to leave it via zone112, interface 110, or another such side surface. Region 106,potentially in combination with FC region 108, may be manufactured as aseparate unit and later installed on substructure 134. If so, absence ofARsb light enables the color characteristics, including CCcharacteristics, of region 106 to be independent of the colorcharacteristics of substructure 134.

Light, termed ADic light, normally leaving ISCC structure 132 via SFzone 112 after being reflected or/and emitted by structure 132, and thusexcluding any substructure-reflected ARsb light, consists of (a) light,termed ARic light, normally reflected by structure 132 so as to leave itvia zone 112 after striking zone 112 and (b) light (if any), termed AEiclight, normally emitted by structure 132 so as to leave it via zone 112.Reflected ARic light is invariably always present. Emitted AEic lightmay or may not be present. A substantial part of any ARsb light passesthrough structure 132. ARic light, any AEic light, and any ARsb lightnormally leaving structure 132, and thus VC region 106, via zone 112form A light. Region 106 thereby normally appears as color A. Each ofADic light and either ARic or AEic light is usually a majoritycomponent, preferably a 75% majority component, more preferably a 90%majority component, of A light.

Referring to FIGS. 6b and 6 c, item 138 is the IDVC portion of VC region106, i.e., the changed portion which appears along print area 118 ascolor X during the changed state. Area 118 is then the upper surface ofIDVC portion 138, basically a cylinder whose cross-sectional area isthat of area 118. The lateral boundary of portion 138 extendsperpendicular to SF zone 112. Object 104 in FIGS. 6b and 6c appearsabove surface 102 at locations corresponding respectively to those inFIGS. 5b and 5c and therefore at locations subsequent to impacting OCarea 116.

Print area 118 is shown in FIGS. 6b and 6c and in analogous later sidecross-sectional drawings with extra thick line to clearly identify theprint-area location along SF zone 112. IDVC portion 138 is laterallydemarcated in FIG. 6b and in analogous later side cross-sectionaldrawings with dotted lines because its location in VC region 106 dependson where object 104 contacts zone 112. Portion 138 is laterallydemarcated in FIG. 6c and in analogous later side cross-sectionaldrawings with a dotted line and the solid line of interface 110 becauseportion 138 terminates along interface 110 in those drawings. Item 142in FIGS. 6b and 6c is the principal ID segment of ISCC structure 132 inportion 138 and is identical to it here. However, ID ISCC segment 142 isa part of portion 138 in later embodiments of OI structure 100 whereregion 106 contains structure besides ISCC structure 132.

Light (if any) reflected by substructure 134 so as to leave it alongIDVC portion 138 during the changed state is termed XRsb light. XRsblight can be the same as, or significantly differ from, ARsb lightdepending on how the light processing in portion 138 during the changedstate differs from the light processing in VC region 106 during thenormal state. XRsb light is absent when ARsb light is absent.

Light, termed XDic light, temporarily leaving ISCC segment 142 via printarea 118 after being reflected or/and emitted by segment 142, and thusexcluding any substructure-reflected XRsb light, consists of (a) light,termed XRic light, temporarily reflected by segment 142 so as to leaveit via area 118 after striking area 118 and (b) light (if any), termedXEic light, temporarily emitted by segment 142 so as to leave it viaarea 118. Reflected XRic light is invariably always present. EmittedXEic light may or may not be present. XDic light differs materially fromA and ADic light. A substantial part of any XRsb light passes throughsegment 142. XRic light, any XEic light, and any XRsb light temporarilyleaving segment 142, and thus IDVC portion 138, via area 118 form Xlight so that portion 138 temporarily appears as color X. Each of XDiclight and either XRic or XEic light is usually a majority component,preferably a 75% majority component, more preferably a 90% majoritycomponent, of X light.

Timing and Color-Difference Parameters

VC region 106 of OI structure 130 starts the forward transition from thenormal state to the changed state before or after object 104 leaves SFzone 112 depending on the length of duration Δt_(oc) during which object104 contacts OC area 116. Region 106 can even enter the changed statebefore object 104 leaves zone 112. However, a person cannot generallysee print area 118 until object 104 leaves zone 112. One importanttiming parameter is thus the full forward transition delay (responsetime) Δt_(f), if any, extending from the instant, termedobject-separation time t_(os), at which object 104 just fully separatesfrom area 116 to the instant, termed approximate forward transition endtime t_(fe), at which region 106 approximately completes the forwardtransition and IDVC portion 138 approximately first appears as changedcolor X. “OS” and “XN” hereafter respectively mean object-separation andtransition. Determination of full forward XN delay Δt_(f) is complexbecause it depends on changes in spectral radiosity J_(λ) and thus onwavelength changes rather than on changes in radiosity J itself.

Another important timing parameter is the immediately following timeduration Δt_(dr), discussed above, in which VC region 106 is in thechanged state. CC duration Δt_(dr) extends from forward XN end timet_(fe) to the instant, termed approximate return XN start time t_(rs),at which region 106 approximately starts the return transition from thechanged state back to the normal state and IDVC portion 138approximately starts changing from appearing as color X to returning toappear as color A. Although usually less important than forward XN delayΔt_(f), a final important timing parameter is the full return XN delay(relaxation time) Δt_(r) extending from approximate return XN start timet_(rs) to the instant, termed approximate return XN end time t_(re), atwhich region 106 approximately completes the return transition andportion 138 approximately first returns to appearing as color A.

The spectral radiosity constituency, i.e., the variation of spectralradiosity J_(λ) with wavelength λ, for a color consists of one orwavelength bands in the visible light spectrum. Each wavelength band mayreach one or more peak values of spectral radiosity depending on what isconsidered to be a wavelength band. Referring to FIG. 7, it illustratesan exemplary spectral radiosity constituency 150 for color light such asA or X light where J_(λh) is the top of the illustrated J_(λ) range. Inthis example, J_(λ) constituency 150 may be viewed as consisting ofthree wavelength bands or two wavelength bands with the right-most bandhaving two peaks. In any event, the wavelengths encompassed byconstituency 150 lie between the low end λ_(l) and high end λ_(h) of thevisible spectrum where low-end wavelength λ_(l) is nominally 380-400 nmand high-end wavelength λ_(h) is nominally 700-780 nm. For a spectralcolor, constituency 150 degenerates into a single vertical line at thewavelength of that color.

FIG. 8 shows how an exemplary spectral radiosity constituency 152, twobands, for A light changes with time into an exemplary spectralradiosity constituency 154, one band, for X light during the forwardtransition from the normal state to the changed state. The top portionof FIG. 8 illustrates the appearance of color-A J_(λ) constituency 152at a time t_(p) during the normal state and thus prior to the forwardtransition. Although color-X J_(λ) constituency 154 does not exist atpre-transition time t_(p), thick-line item 154 _(p) along the wavelengthaxis in the top portion of FIG. 8 indicates the expected wavelengthextent of color-X constituency 154.

The middle portion of FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary intermediate spectralradiosity constituency 156 at a time t_(m) during the forwardtransition. Intermediate J_(λ) constituency 156 is a combination,largely additive, of a partial version 152 _(m) of color-A constituency152 and a partial version 154 _(m) of-color X constituency 154. Theright-most band of reduced color-A J_(λ) constituency 152 _(m) combinedwith the dashed line extending from that band to the right indicates howit would appear if color A were being converted into black. Partialcolor-X J_(λ) constituency 154 _(m) combined with the dashed lineextending from constituency 154 _(m) to the left indicates howconstituency 154 _(m) would appear if color X were being converted fromblack. The bottom portion of FIG. 8 illustrates the appearance ofcolor-X constituency 154 at a time t_(c) during the changed state andthus after the forward transition. Although color-A constituency 152does not exist at post-transition time t_(c), the two parts ofthick-line item 152 _(c) along the wavelength axis in the bottom portionof FIG. 8 indicate the exemplary wavelength extent of constituency 152.

Forward XN delay Δt_(f) can be determined by changes in various spectralradiosity parameters as a function of time. Using spectral radiosityJ_(λ) itself, forward delay Δt_(f) is the time for spectral radiosityJ_(λ) to decrease from (i) a high value J_(λfh) equal to or slightlyless than the magnitude ΔJ_(λmax) of the difference between the maximumJ_(λ) values for the color-A and color-X J_(λ) constituencies at awavelength present in one or both of them, i.e., at any wavelength forwhich spectral radiosity J_(λ) is greater than zero in at least one ofthe color A and color-X J_(λ) constituencies, to (ii) a low valueJ_(λfl) equal or slightly greater than zero.

This Δt_(f) determination technique is most easily applied at awavelength present in one of the color-A and color-X J_(λ)constituencies but not in the other. Due to noise in experimental J_(λ)data, the accuracy of the Δt_(f) determination is usually increased bychoosing a wavelength at which spectral radiosity J_(λ) reaches a peakvalue. Dotted lines 158 and 160 in each of the three portions of FIG. 8indicate such wavelengths for J_(λ) constituencies 152 and 154. J_(λ)maximum difference magnitude ΔJ_(λmax) is then simply the maximum J_(λ)value for color-A J_(λ) constituency 152 along dotted line 158 in thetop portion of FIG. 8 or the maximum J_(λ) value for color-X J_(λ)constituency 154 along dotted line 160 in the bottom portion of FIG. 8.The length of line 158 or 160 represents difference magnitude ΔJ_(λmax).

Spectral radiosity J_(λ) can nonetheless be used to determine forward XNdelay Δt_(f) at a wavelength, indicated by dotted line 162 in each ofthe three portions of FIG. 8, common to both the color-A and color-XJ_(λ) constituencies. The length of dotted line 162 representsdifference magnitude ΔJ_(λmax). As examination of FIG. 8 indicates,difference magnitude ΔJ_(λmax) for the common-wavelength situation isusually less than magnitude ←J_(λmax) when the color-A J_(λ)constituency has a wavelength not in the color-X J_(λ) constituency andvice versa.

High value J_(λfh) and low value J_(λfl) are respectively slightly lessthan difference magnitude ΔJ_(λmax) and slightly greater than zero if OStime t_(os) occurs after the instant, termed actual forward XN starttime t_(f0), at which VC region 106 actually starts the forwardtransition to the changed state and IDVC portion 138 actually startschanging to appear as color X or/and if forward XN end time t_(fe)occurs before the instant, termed actual forward XN end time t_(f100),at which region 106 actually completes the forward transition to thechanged state and portion 138 actually first appears as color X. Inparticular, high value J_(λfh) equals difference magnitude ΔJ_(λmax)minus (a) an amount, usually small, corresponding to the differencebetween times t_(os) and t_(f0) if OS time t_(os) occurs after actualforward XN start time t_(f0) and (b) an amount, usually small,corresponding to the difference between times t_(f100) and t_(fe) ifactual forward XN end time t_(f100) ends, as usually occurs, afterapproximate forward XN end time t_(fe). Value J_(λfh) otherwise equalsmagnitude ΔJ_(λmax).

Low value J_(λfl) similarly equals (a) an amount, usually small,corresponding to the difference between times t_(os) and t_(f0) if OStime t_(os) occurs after actual forward XN start time t_(f0) and (b) anamount, usually small, corresponding to the difference between timest_(f100) and t_(fe) if actual forward XN end time t_(f100) ends afterapproximate forward XN end time t_(fe). Value J_(λfl) otherwise is zero.The modifications to values J_(λfh) and J_(λfl) may be so small as tonot significantly affect the Δt_(f) determination and, if so, need notbe performed. If actual forward XN start time t_(f0) occurs after OStime t_(os), the difference between times t_(f0) and t_(os) should beadded to the J_(λ)-determined value to obtain actual forward delayΔt_(f). This modification may likewise be so small as to notsignificantly affect the Δt_(f) determination and, if so, need not beperformed. Forward XN delay Δt_(f) can also be determined as an averageof the summation of Δt_(f) values determined at two or more suitablewavelengths using this Δt_(f) determination technique.

Another spectral radiosity parameter suitable for use in determiningforward XN delay Δt_(f) is the spectrum-integrated absolute spectralradiosity difference ΔJ_(AM), basically an integrated version of thespectral radiosity summation Δt_(f) technique. Let J_(λA)(λ) andJ_(λX)(λ) respectively represent the spectral radiosities for A and Xlight as a function of wavelength λ for which J_(λ) constituencies 152and 154 are respective examples. Let J_(λM)(λ) represent the spectralradiosity for light of wavelength of a variable color, termed variablecolor M, as a function of wavelength λ such that IDVC portion 138appears along print area 118 as color M. Each J_(λ) constituency 152,154, or 156 is an example of color-M spectral radiosity J_(λM)(λ).Spectrum-integrated absolute spectral radiosity difference ΔJ_(AM),often simply radiosity difference ΔJ_(AM), is given by the integral:

ΔJ _(AM)=∫_(VS) |J _(λA)(λ)−J _(λM)(λ)|dλ  (A1)

where VS indicates that the integration is performed across the visiblespectrum.

An understanding of radiosity difference ΔJ_(AM) is facilitated with theassistance of FIG. 9 which, similar to FIG. 8, illustrates how example152 of color-A spectral radiosity J_(λA)(λ) changes into example 154 ofcolor-X spectral radiosity J_(λX)(λ) during the forward transition.Example 152 of color-A spectral radiosity J_(λA)(λ) occurs at time t_(p)during the normal state as represented in the top portion of FIG. 9 andis repeated in the middle and bottom portions of FIG. 9 in dotted formbecause spectral radiosity J_(λA)(λ) appears in the integrand|J_(λA)(λ)−J_(λM)(λ)| of radiosity difference ΔJ_(AM). At time t_(p),variable color M is color A so that color M-spectral radiosity J_(λM)(λ)equals color A-spectral radiosity J_(λA)(λ). Radiosity differenceΔJ_(AM) is zero at time t_(p).

Variable color M is an intermediate color between colors A and X at timet_(m) during the forward transition. Color-M spectral radiosityJ_(λM)(λ) then has a wavelength variation between the wavelengthvariations of spectral radiosities J_(λA)(λ) and J_(λX)(λ). Radiositydifference ΔJ_(AM) at time t_(m) is thus at some finite valuerepresented by slanted-line area 164 between color-A J_(λ) constituency152 and intermediate JA constituency 156 in FIG. 9. At time t_(c) duringthe changed state, variable color M is color X so that color-M spectralradiosity J_(λM)(λ) equals color-X spectral radiosity J_(λX)(λ).Radiosity difference ΔJ_(AM) at time t_(c) is also at some finite valuerepresented by slanted-line area 166 between color-A constituency 152and color-X J_(λ) constituency 154 in FIG. 9. The value of radiositydifference ΔJ_(AM) at time t_(c) is usually a maximum. The variation ofradiosity difference ΔJ_(AM) with time thereby characterizes the forwardtransition.

Let ΔJ_(AX) represent the spectrum-integrated absolute spectralradiosity difference ∫_(VS)|J_(λA)(λ)−J_(λX)(λ)|dλ between A and Xlight. Using radiosity difference ΔJ_(AM), forward XN delay Δt_(f) isthe time period for radiosity difference ΔJ_(AM) to change from a lowvalue equal or slightly greater than zero to a high value equal to orslightly less than ΔJ_(AX). If OS time t_(os) occurs after actualforward XN start time t_(f0), the low ΔJ_(AM) value is an amountcorresponding to the difference between times t_(os) and t_(f0). The lowΔJ_(AM) value can often be taken as zero without significantly affectingthe Δt_(f) determination. If actual forward XN start time t_(f0) occursafter OS time t_(os), the difference between times t_(f0) and t_(os)should be added to the J_(λ)-determined Δt_(f) value to obtain actualforward delay Δt_(f). This modification is sometimes so small as to notsignificantly affect the Δt_(f) determination and, if so, need not beperformed. For the usual situation in which approximate forward XN endtime t_(fe) occurs before actual forward XN end time t_(f100), the highΔJ_(AM) value equals ΔJ_(AX) minus an amount corresponding to thedifference between times t_(f100) and t_(fe). The high ΔJ_(AM) value canoften be taken as ΔJ_(AX) without significantly affecting the Δt_(f)determination.

FIG. 10 depicts how a general spectral radiosity parameter J_(p) varieswith time t during a full operational cycle in which VC region 106 goesfrom the normal state to the changed state and then back to the normalstate. General radiosity parameter J_(p) can be spectral radiosity J_(λ)or spectrum-integrated absolute spectral radiosity difference ΔJ_(AM).Radiosity parameter J_(p) varies between zero and a maximum valueJ_(pmax) formed with difference ΔJ_(λmax) or the high ΔJ_(AM) value whenparameter J_(p) is spectral radiosity J_(λ) or radiosity differenceΔJ_(AM). Curve 168 represents the J_(p) variation with time t.

In addition to times mentioned above, the following times appear alongthe time axis in FIG. 10: time t_(ip) at which object 104 impacts OCarea 116, approximate forward XN start time t_(fs) at which VC region106 approximately starts the forward transition from the normal state tothe changed state and IDVC portion 138 approximately starts changingfrom appearing as color A to appearing as color X, 10%, 50%, and 90%forward XN times t_(f10), t_(f50), and t_(f90) at which portion 138 hasrespectively changed 10%, 50%, and 90% from actually appearing as colorA to actually appearing as color X during the forward transition, actualreturn XN start time t_(r0) at which region 106 actually starts thereturn transition back to the normal state and portion 138 actuallystarts changing from appearing as color X to returning to appear ascolor A, 10%, 50%, and 90% return XN times t_(r10), t_(r50), and t_(r90)at which region 106 has respectively changed 10%, 50%, and 90% fromactually appearing as color X to actually appearing as color A duringthe return transition, actual return XN end time t_(r100) at whichregion 106 actually completes the return transition and portion 138actually first returns to appearing as color A, and time t_(p) ⁺ duringthe normal state following the return transition.

Using radiosity parameter J_(p), 10%, 50%, and 90% forward XN timesr_(f10), t_(f50), and t_(f90) are instants at which parameter J_(p)actually respectively reaches 10%, 50%, and 90% of maximum valueJ_(pmax) during the forward transition. 10%, 50%, and 90% return XNtimes t_(r10), t_(r50), and t_(r90) are instants at which parameterJ_(p) actually has respectively decreased 10%, 50%, and 90% below valueJ_(pmax) during the return transition. Item Δt_(f50) is the 50% forwardXN time delay from OS time t_(os) to 50% forward XN time t_(f50) duringthe forward transition. Item Δt_(f90) is the 90% forward XN time delayfrom time t_(os) to 90% forward XN time t_(f90) during the forwardtransition. Item Δt_(f10-90) is the 10%-to-90% forward XN time delayfrom 10% forward XN time t_(f10) to time t_(f90) during the forwardtransition. Item Δt_(r50) is the 50% return XN time delay fromapproximate return XN start time t_(rs) to 50% return XN time t_(r50)during the return transition. Item Δt_(r90) is the 90% return XN timedelay from time t_(rs) to 90% return XN time t_(r90) during the returntransition. Item Δt_(r10-90) is the 10%-to-90% return XN time delay from10% return XN time t_(r10) to time t_(r90) during the return transition.

Percentage times t_(f10), t_(f10), t_(f50), t_(f90), t_(r10), t_(r50),and t_(r90) can usually be ascertained relatively precisely becausedJ_(p)/dt, the time rate of change of radiosity parameter J_(p), isrelatively high in the vicinities of those six times, especially timest_(f50) and t_(r50). Conversely, times t_(f0) and t_(f100) at which theforward transition actually respectively starts and ends are oftendifficult to determine precisely because rate dJ_(p)/dt is relativelylow in their vicinities. Times t_(r0) and r_(r100) at which the returntransition actually respectively starts and ends are likewise oftendifficult to determine precisely for the same reason. In view of this,the start and end of the forward transition are respectivelyapproximated by times t_(fs) and t_(fe) which are relatively preciselydeterminable utilizing time t_(f50). Similarly, the start and end of thereturn transition are respectively approximated by times t_(rs) andt_(re) which are relatively precisely determinable utilizing timet_(r50).

In particular, a dotted line 170 having a slope S_(f) is tangent tocurve 168 at point 172 at 50% forward XN time t_(f50) where radiosityparameter J_(p) has risen to 50% of value J_(pmax). Slope S_(f) equalsrate dJ_(p)/dt at time t_(f50) and can be determined relativelyprecisely. Time differences t_(f50)−t_(fs) and t_(fe)−t_(f50) each equal(J_(pmax)/2)/S_(f). Forward XN start time t_(fs) and forward XN end timet_(fe) are:

t _(fs) =t _(f50) −J _(pmax)/2S _(f)   (A2)

t _(fe) =t _(f50) +J _(pmax)/2S _(f)   (A3)

which can be determined relatively precisely because time t_(f50) can bedetermined relatively precisely.

Similarly, a dotted line 174 having a slope S_(r) is tangent to curve168 at point 176 at 50% return XN time t_(r50) where parameter J_(p) hasdropped to 50% of value J_(pmax). Slope S_(r) equals rate dJ_(p)/dt attime t_(r50) and can be determined relatively precisely. Timedifferences t_(r50)−t_(rs) and t_(re)−t_(r50) each equal(J_(pmax)/2)/S_(r). Return XN start time t_(rs) and return XN end timet_(re) are:

t _(rs) =t _(r50) −J _(pmax)/2S _(r)   (A4)

t _(re) =t _(r50) +J _(pmax)/2S _(r)   (A5)

which can be determined relatively precisely because time t_(r50) can bedetermined relatively precisely.

Approximate full forward XN delay Δt_(f) is usually no more than 2 s,preferably no more than 1 s, more preferably no more than 0.5 s, evenmore preferably no more than 0.25 s. 50% forward XN delay Δt_(f50) isusually no more than 1 s, preferably no more than 0.5 s, more preferablyno more than 0.25 s, even more preferably no more than 0.125 s. 90%forward XN delay Δt_(f90) is usually less than 2 s, preferably less than1 s, more preferably less than 0.5 s, even more preferably less than0.25 s. The same applies to 10%-to-90% forward XN delay Δt_(f10-90).

The maximum values for full return XN delay Δt_(r), 10% return XN delayΔt_(r10), 50% return XN delay Δt_(r50), and 90% return XN delay Δt_(r90)fall into (a) a short-delay category in which they are relatively shortto avoid impeding the activity in which object 104 is being used and (b)a long-delay category in which they can be relatively long withoutsignificantly impeding that activity and in which their greater lengthscan sometimes lead to reduction in the cost of manufacturing OIstructure 130. For the short-delay category, return XN delays Δt_(r),Δt_(r10), Δt_(r50), and Δt_(r90) have the same usual and preferredmaximum values respectively as forward XN delays Δt_(f), Δt_(f10),Δt_(f50), and Δt_(f90). Return XN delays Δt_(r), Δt_(r10), Δt_(r50), andΔt_(r90) have the following maximum values for the long-delay category.Delay Δt_(r) is usually no more than 10 s, preferably no more than 5 s.Delay Δt_(r50) is usually no more than 5 s, preferably no more than 2.5s. Delay Δt_(r90) is usually less than 10 s, preferably less than 5 s.The same applies to delay Δt_(f10-90).

CC duration Δt_(dr), the difference between return XN start time t_(rs)and forward XN end time t_(fe), is:

$\begin{matrix}\begin{matrix}{{\Delta \; t_{dr}} = {{t_{rs} - t_{fe}} = {\left( {t_{r\; 50} - \frac{J_{pmax}}{2S_{r}}} \right) - \left( {t_{f\; 50} - \frac{J_{pmax}}{2S_{f}}} \right)}}} \\{= {t_{r\; 50} - t_{f\; 50} + {\left( \frac{J_{pmax}}{2} \right)\left( {\frac{1}{S_{f}} - \frac{1}{S_{r}}} \right)}}}\end{matrix} & ({A6})\end{matrix}$

which likewise can be determined relatively precisely because timest_(f50) and t_(f50) can both be determined relatively precisely.

FIG. 10 depicts the preferred situation in which OS time t_(os) occursafter actual forward XN start time t_(f0). Forward XN start time t_(f0)can, however, occur after OS time t_(os). If so, between times t_(os)and t_(f0), there is a delay in which radiosity parameter J_(p) is zero.FIG. 10 depicts the situation in which approximate forward XN start timet_(fs) occurs after OS time t_(os). Forward XN start time t_(fs)preferably occurs before OS time t_(os).

The actual total time period Δt_(totact) (not indicated in FIG. 10) fromactual forward XN start time t_(f0) to actual return XN end timet_(r100) is difficult to determine precisely because times t_(f0) andt_(r100) are difficult to determine precisely. Additionally, OS timet_(os) may as mentioned above occur after forward XN start time t_(f0).If so, the short interval between times t_(f0) and t_(os) isinsignificant practically because object 104 blocks print area 118 fromthen being visible. Approximate return XN end time t_(re) is highlyrepresentative of when area 118 returns to appearing as principal colorA. A useful parameter for dealing with the time period needed to switchfrom the normal state to the changed state and back to the normal stateis the effective total time period Δt_(toteff) (also not indicated inFIG. 10) from OS time t_(os) to return XN end time t_(re).

The time period between points in high-level tennis is seldom less than15 s. If print area 118 generated during a point due to impact of atennis ball embodying object 104 is desirably not present during theimmediately subsequent point, effective total time period Δt_(toteff)can be chosen to be no more than 15 s. Area 118 caused by a tennis ballduring a point will then automatically not be present during theimmediately subsequent point in the vast majority of consecutive-pointinstances. With full forward XN delay Δt_(f) and full return XN delayΔt_(r) each being no more than 1 s, automatic value Δt_(drau) of f CCduration Δt_(dr) is chosen to be close to, but less than, 15 s, e.g.,usually at least 10 s, preferably at least 12 s. These Δt_(drau) valuesshould almost always provide sufficient time to examine area 118 andeither immediately determine whether the ball is “in” or “out” or, ifpossible, extend duration Δt_(dr) to examine area 118 more closely.

Non-lobbed groundstrokes hit by highly skilled tennis players typicallytake roughly 2 s to travel from one baseline to the other baseline andback to the initial baseline. The presence of two or more print areas118 created during a point is not expected to be significantlydistracting to the players. Also, the likelihood of two such areas 118at least partly overlapping is very low. Nonetheless, if only one area118 is desirably present at any time during a point, effective totaltime period Δt_(toteff) can be chosen to be approximately 2 s. Byarranging for each XN delay Δt_(f) or Δt_(r) to be no more than 0.25 s,automatic duration value Δt_(drau) is at least 1.5 s. This shouldusually give the players and any associated tennis official(s) enoughtime to make an immediate in/out determination or, if possible, extendCC duration Δt_(dr) for more closely examining area 118. In addition,automatic value Δt_(drau) can more closely approach 2 s by configuringVC region 106 as described below for FIGS. 11a -11 c.

Two colors differ materially if the standard human eyes/brain canessentially instantaneously clearly distinguish the two colors when oneof them rapidly replaces the other or when they appear adjacent to eachother. Hence, colors A and X differ materially if the standard humaneye/brain can essentially instantaneously identify print area 118 whenit changes from principal color A to changed color X. If object 104simultaneously impacts both VC SF zone 112 and FC SF zone 114 in anembodiment of OI structure 100 where secondary color A′ of zone 114 isthe same as color A, colors A and X also differ materially if thestandard human eye/brain can essentially instantaneously determine thatobject 104 has impacted both of zones 112 and 114 due to the differencein color between area 118 and zone 114.

What constitutes a material difference between colors A and X cansometimes be numerically quantified. In this regard, colors A and Xoccur in the all-color CIE L*a*b* color space in which a color ischaracterized by a dimensionless lightness L*, a dimensionless green/redhue parameter a*, and a dimensionless blue/yellow hue parameter b*.Lightness L* varies from 0 to 100 where a low number indicates dark anda high number indicates light. L* values of 0 and 100 respectivelyindicate black and white regardless of the a* and b* values. Hueparameters a* and b* have no numerical limits but typically range from anegative value as low as −128 to a positive value as high as 127. Forgreen/red parameter a*, a negative number indicates green and a positivenumber indicates red. A negative number for blue/yellow parameterindicates blue while a positive number indicates yellow. Colors ofparticular hues determined by hue parameters a* and b* become lighter aslightness L* increases so that the colors contain more white and darkeras lighter as lightness L* decreases so that they contain more black.

Hoffmann, “CIE Lab Color Space”, docs-hoffmann.de/cielab03022003.pdf, 10Feb. 2013, 63 pp, contents incorporated by reference herein, presentsthe sRGB and AdobeRGB, subspaces of the CIE L*a*b* color space for L*values of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90. For the same L* value,the sRGB and AdobeRGB color subspaces are identical where they overlap.The following material for numerically quantifying how color X differsmaterially from color A uses the sRGB or AdobeRGB subspace as a baselinefor applying the numerical quantification to the full CIE L*a*b* space.

Colors A and X have respective lightnesses L_(A)* and L_(X)*, respectivegreen/red parameters a_(A)* and a_(X)*, and respective blue/yellowparameters b_(A)* and b_(X)* whose values are restricted so that color Xdiffers materially from color A. In a first general L*a*b* restrictionembodiment, suitable minimum and maximum limits are placed on one ormore of lightness pair L_(A)* and L_(X)*, red/green parameter paira_(A)* and a_(X)*, and blue/yellow parameter pair b_(A)* and b_(X)* todefine one or more pairs of mutually exclusive (non-overlapping) colorregions for which any color in one of a pair of the color regionsdiffers materially from any color in the other of that pair of colorregions. Any color in one of each pair of the color regions embodiescolor A while any color in the other of that pair of color regionsembodies color X and vice versa.

The color regions in one such pair of mutually exclusive color regionsconsist of a light region containing a selected one of colors A and Xand a dark region containing the remaining one of colors A and X.Lightness L_(A)* or L_(X)* of selected color A or X in the light regionis at least 60 greater than lightness L_(X)* or L_(A)* of remainingcolor X or A in the dark region. Selected-color lightness L_(A)* orL_(X)* ranges from a minimum of 60 up to 100 while remaining-colorlightness L_(X)* or L_(A)* ranges from 0 to a maximum of 40 providedthat lightnesses L_(A)* and L_(X)* differ by at least 60. Selected colorA or X is a light color while remaining color X or A is a dark color.Each color A or X can be at any values of parameters a_(A)* and b_(A)*or a_(X)* and b_(X)*. Lightness difference ΔL*, i.e., the magnitude|L_(X)*−L_(A)*| of the difference between lightnesses L_(X)* and L_(A)*,is at least 60, preferably at least 70, often at least 80, sometimes atleast 90.

Let Δa* represent the magnitude |a_(X)*−a_(A)*| of the differencebetween green/red parameters a_(X)* and a_(A)*, Δb* represent themagnitude |b_(X)*−b_(A)*| of the difference between blue/yellowparameters b_(X)* and b_(A)*, and ΔW* represent the weighted colordifference (C_(L)ΔL*²+C_(a)Δa*²+C_(b)Δb*²)^(1/2) where C_(L), C_(a), andC_(b) are non-negative weighting constants usually ranging from 0 to 1but potentially as high as 9. Limits, almost invariably minimum limits,are placed on one or more of differences ΔL*, Δa*, Δb*, and ΔW* in asecond general L*a*b* restriction embodiment such that color X differsmaterially from color A. In one example, each difference ΔL* or Δa* isat least 50. Each parameter b_(A)* or b_(X)* can be at any value. Hence,no minimum limit is placed on difference Δb*. Weighted color differenceΔW* is not used in this example.

Weighted color difference ΔW* can, in other examples, be used (i) alonesince differences ΔL*, Δa*, and Δb* appear in the ΔW* formula(C_(L)ΔL*²+C_(a)Δa*²+C_(b)Δb*²)^(1/2) or (ii) in combination with one ormore of differences ΔL*, Δa*, and Δb*. In either case, color differenceΔW* is greater than or equal to a threshold weighted difference valueΔW_(th)*. When used alone, threshold weighted difference value ΔW_(th)*is sufficiently high that colors A and X materially differ for all pairsof L_(A)*and L_(X)* values, a_(A)* and a_(X)* values, and b_(A)* andb_(X)* values. Examination of the sRGB or AdobeRGB L* examples inHoffmann indicates that color differences are more pronounced ingreen/red parameter a* than in blue/yellow parameter b*. In view ofthis, one of constants C_(L) and C_(a) in the ΔW* formula is sometimesgreater than constant C_(b) while the other of constants C_(L) and C_(a)in the ΔW* formula is greater than or equal to constant C_(b). ConstantsC_(L) and C_(a) for this situation are typically 1 with constant C_(b)being 0.

A third general L*a*b* restriction embodiment combines placing limits onone or more of lightnesses L_(A)* and L_(X)*, red/green parametersa_(A)* and a_(X)*, and blue/yellow parameters b_(A)* and b_(X)* withplacing limits on one or more of differences ΔL*, Δa*, Δb*, and ΔW* suchthat color X differs materially from color A. In one example, lightnessL_(A)* or L_(X)* of each color A or X is at least 50 while red/greenparameter difference Δa* is at least 70. No limitation is placed onparameter a_(A)*, a_(X)*, b_(A)*, or b_(X)*, lightness difference ΔL*,or blue/yellow parameter difference Δb* in this example.

Specific examples of pairs of materially different colors suitable forcolors A and X, including some pairs covered in the three general L*a*b*restriction embodiments, include: (a) white and a non-white color havingan L* value of no more than 80, preferably no more than 70; (b) anoff-white color having an L* value of at least 95 and a darker colorhaving an L* value of no more than 75, preferably no more than 65; (c) areddish color having an a* value of at least 20, preferably at least 30,and a greenish color having an a* value of no more than −20, preferablyno more than −30, each color having an L* value of at least 30,preferably at least 40; and (d) a reddish color having a b* value of atleast 75 plus 1.6 times its a* value and a bluish color having a b*value of −10 minus 1.0 times its a* value, each color having an L* valueof at least 30, preferably at least 40. Numerous other pairs ofmaterially different colors, including numerous pairs of light and darkcolors, are suitable for colors A and X.

Colors A and X often have different average wavelengths λ_(avg). Interms of spectral radiosity J_(λ), the average wavelength λ_(avg) oflight of a particular color is:

$\begin{matrix}{\lambda_{avg} = \frac{\int_{VS}^{\;}{\lambda \; {J_{\lambda}(\lambda)}\ d\; \lambda}}{\int_{VS}^{\;}{{J_{\lambda}(\lambda)}\ d\; \lambda}}} & ({A7})\end{matrix}$

Average wavelength λ_(avg) is zero for black and approximately 550 nmfor white. The ratio R_(λavg) of the difference between the averagewavelengths of X and A light to the average of their average wavelengthsis:

$\begin{matrix}{R_{\lambda \; {avg}} = \frac{2{{\lambda_{avgX} - \lambda_{avgA}}}}{\lambda_{avgX} + \lambda_{avgA}}} & ({A8})\end{matrix}$

where λ_(avgX) and λ_(avgA) respectively are the average wavelengths ofX and A light as determined from the λ_(avg) relationship. In someembodiments of OI structure 100, wavelength difference-to-average ratioR_(λavg) is at least 0.06, preferably at least 0.08, more preferably atleast 0.10, even more preferably at least 0.12.Object-Impact Structure having Variable-Color Region formed withImpact-Sensitive Changeably Reflective or Changeably Emissive Material

ISCC structure 132 can be embodied in many ways. Structure 132 issometimes basically a single material consisting of impact-sensitivechangeably reflective or changeably emissive material where “changeablyreflective” means that color change occurs primarily due to change inlight reflection (and associated light absorption) and where “changeablyemissive” means that color change occurs primarily due to change inlight emission. “CR” and “CE” hereafter respectively mean changeablyreflective and changeably emissive.

First consider ISCC structure 132 consisting solely of impact-sensitiveCR material. “IS” hereafter means impact-sensitive. During the normalstate, CR ISCC structure 132 reflects ARic light striking SF zone 112.No significant amount of light is normally emitted by structure 132.Including any ARsb light passing through structure 132, A light isformed with ARic light and any ARsb light normally leaving structure132, and thus VC region 106, via zone 112.

The IS CR material forming ISCC segment 142 temporarily reflects XRiclight striking print area 118 in response to object 104 impacting OCarea 116 so as to meet the TH impact criteria. As in the normal state,CR ISCC segment 142 does not emit any significant amount of light duringthe changed state. Including any XRsb light passing through segment 142,X light is formed with XRic light and any XRsb light temporarily leavingsegment 142, and thus IDVC portion 138, via area 118.

The mechanism causing CR ISCC segment 142 to temporarily reflect XRiclight is pressure or/and deformation at OC area 116 or/and SF DF area122 due to the impact. The IS CR material is typically piezochromicmaterial which temporarily changes color when subjected to a change inpressure, here at print area 118. Examples of piezochromic material aredescribed in Fukuda, Inorganic Chromotropism: Basic Concepts andApplications of Colored Materials (Springer), 2007, pp. 28-32, 38, and199-238, and the references cited on those pages, contents incorporatedby reference herein.

When ISCC structure 132 consists solely of impact-sensitive CE material,CE ISCC structure 132 may or may not significantly emit AEic lightduring the normal state. Structure 132 normally reflects ARic lightstriking SF zone 112. Including any ARsb light passing through structure132, A light is formed with ARic light and any AEic and ARsb lightnormally leaving structure 132, and thus VC region 106, via zone 112.

The IS CE material forming ISCC segment 142 temporarily emits XEic lightin response to the impact so as to meet the TH impact criteria. Duringthe changed state, CE ISCC segment 142 usually reflects ARic lightstriking print area 118. Including any XRsb light passing throughsegment 142, X light is formed with XEic and ARic light and any XRsblight temporarily leaving segment 142, and thus IDVC portion 138, viaarea 118. Alternatively, the temporary emission of XEic light may soaffect segment 142 that it temporarily largely ceases to reflect ARiclight striking area 118 and, instead, temporarily reflects XRic lightmaterially different from ARic light. X light is now formed with XEicand XRic light and any XRsb light temporarily leaving segment 142, andtherefore portion 138, via area 118.

The mechanism causing CE ISCC segment 142 to temporarily emit XEic lightis pressure or/and deformation at SF DF area 122 due to the impact. Ifthere normally is no significant AEic light, the IS CE material istypically piezoluminescent material which temporarily emits light(luminesces) upon being subjected to a change in pressure, here at printarea 118. Examples of piezoluminescent material are presented in“Piezoluminescence”, Wikipedia, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piezoluminescence,16 Mar. 2013, 1 p., and the references cited therein, contentsincorporated by reference herein. If there normally is significant AEiclight, the IS CE material is typically piezochromic luminescent materialwhich continuously emits light whose color changes when subjected to achange in pressure, again here at area 118.

CC duration Δt_(dr) is usually automatic value Δt_(drau) formed by baseportion Δt_(drbs) passively determined by the properties of the IS CR orCE material. VC region 106 may contain componentry, described below,which excites the CR or CE material so as to automatically extendautomatic value Δt_(drau) by amount Δt_(drext) beyond base durationΔt_(drbs).

Object-Impact Structure having Separate Impact-Sensitive andColor-Change Components

VC region 106 often contains multiple subregions stacked one overanother up to SF zone 112. A recitation that light of a particularspecies, i.e., light identified by one or more alphabetic oralphanumeric characters, leaves a specified one of these subregions meanthat the light leaves the specified subregion along zone 112 if thespecified subregion extends to zone 112 or, if the specified subregionadjoins another subregion lying between the specified subregion and zone112, along the adjoining subregion, i.e., via the interface between thetwo subregions. A recitation that light of a particular species leaves asegment or part of the specified subregion similarly mean that the lightleaves that segment or subregion part along the corresponding segment orpart of zone 112 if the specified subregion extends to zone 112 or, ifthe specified subregion adjoins another subregion lying between thespecified subregion and zone 112, along the corresponding segment orpart of the adjoining subregion, i.e., via the corresponding segment orpart of the interface between the two subregions.

FIGS. 11a-11c (collectively “FIG. 11”) illustrate an embodiment 180 ofOI structure 130 in which VC region 106 is again formed solely with ISCCstructure 132. Region 106, and thus structure 132, here consists of aprincipal IS component 182 and a principal CC component 184 that meet ata flat principal light-transmission interface 186 extending parallel toSF zone 112 and interface 136. See FIG. 11 a. IS component 182 extendsbetween zone 112 and interface 186. CC component 184 extends betweeninterfaces 186 and 136 and therefore between IS component 182 andsubstructure 134.

Light travels through IS component 182, usually largely transparent,from SF zone 112 to interface 186 and vice versa. Preferably, largely nolight striking CC component 184 along interface 186 passes fully throughcomponent 184 to interface 136. All light striking component 184 alonginterface 186 is preferably absorbed and/or reflected by component 184so that there is no substructure-reflected ARsb or XRsb light.

Light, termed ADcc light, normally leaves CC component 184 after beingreflected or/and emitted by it during. ADcc light, which excludes anyARsb light, consists of (a) light, termed ARcc light, normally reflectedby component 184 so as to leave it via interface 186 after striking SFzone 112 and passing through IS component 182 and (b) light (if any),termed AEcc light, normally emitted by component 184 so as to leave itvia interface 186. Reflected ARcc light which is of wavelength for anormal reflected main color ARcc is invariably always present. EmittedAEcc light which is of wavelength for a normal emitted main color AEccmay or may not be present.

Any ARsb light passes in substantial part through CC component 184. Thetotal light, termed ATcc light, normally leaving component 184 (along IScomponent 182) consists of ARcc light, any AEcc light, and any ARsblight leaving component 184. Substantial parts of the ARcc light, anyAEcc light, and any ARsb light pass through IS component 182. Inaddition, component 182 may normally reflect light, termed ARis light,which leaves it via SF zone 112 after striking zone 112. A light isformed with ARcc light, any AEcc light, and any ARis and ARsb lightnormally leaving component 182 and thus VC region 106. Each of ADcclight and either ARcc or AEcc light is usually a majority component,preferably a 75% majority component, more preferably a 90% majoritycomponent, of each of A and ADic light.

Referring to FIGS. 11b and 11 c, item 192 is the ID segment of IScomponent 182 present in IDVC portion 138. Print area 118 is the uppersurface of ID segment 192. Item 194 is the underlying ID segment of CCcomponent 184 present in portion 138. Item 196 is the ID segment ofinterface 186 present in portion 138. “IF” hereafter means interface.Component segments 192 and 194, respectively termed IS and CC segments,meet along segment 196 of interface 186.

Responsive to object 104 impacting OC area 116 so as to meet the THimpact criteria, ID IS segment 192 provides a principal general IDimpact effect usually resulting from the pressure of the impact on area116 or from deformation that object 104 causes along SF DF area 122. Thegeneral ID impact effect is typically an electrical effect consisting ofone or more electrical signals but can be in other form depending on theconfiguration and operation of IS component 182. IS segment 192 cangenerate the impact effect piezoelectrically as described below forFIGS. 24 a, 24 b, 25 a, and 25 b or using a resistive touchscreentechnique.

The general impact effect is furnished directly to CC component 184,specifically to ID CC segment 194, in some general OI embodiments. If soor if component 184, likewise specifically segment 194, in other generalOI embodiments is provided with the general CC control signal generatedin response to the impact effect for the impact meeting the basic THimpact criteria sometimes dependent on other impact criteria also beingmet in those other embodiments as described below, CC segment 194responds to the effect or to the control signal by changing in such away that light, termed XDcc light, temporarily leaves segment 194 afterbeing reflected or/and emitted by it as VC region 106 goes to thechanged state. XDcc light, which excludes any XRsb light, consists of(a) light, termed XRcc light, temporarily reflected by segment 194 so asto leave it via ID IF segment 196 after striking print area 118 andpassing through IS segment 192 and (b) light (if any), termed XEcclight, temporarily emitted by CC segment 194 so as to leave it via IFsegment 196. Reflected XRcc light which is of wavelength for a temporaryreflected main color XRcc is invariably always present. Emitted XEcclight which is of wavelength for a temporary emitted main color XEcc mayor may not be present.

Any XRsb light passes in substantial part through CC segment 194. Thetotal light, termed XTcc light, temporarily leaving segment 194 (alongIS segment 192) consists of XRcc light, any XEcc light, and any XRsblight leaving segment 194. Substantial parts of the XRcc light, any XEcclight, and any XRsb light pass through IS segment 192. Since IScomponent 182 may reflect ARis light during the normal state, segment192 may reflect ARis light which leaves it via print area 118 during thechanged state. X light is formed with XRcc light, any XEcc light, andany ARis and XRsb light leaving segment 192 and thus IDVC portion 138.XDcc light differs materially from A, ADic, and ADcc light. Each of XDcclight and either XRcc or XEcc light is usually a majority component,preferably a 75% majority component, more preferably a 90% majoritycomponent, of each of X and XDic light.

If the basic TH impact criteria consist of multiple sets (S₁-S_(n)) ofdifferent principal basic TH impact criteria respectively associatedwith multiple specific changed colors (X_(i)-X_(n)) materially differentfrom principal color A, the principal general impact effect consists ofone of multiple different principal specific impact effects respectivelycorresponding to the specific changed colors. IS component 182,specifically IS segment 192, provides the general impact effect as thespecific impact effect for the basic TH criteria set (S_(i)) met by theimpact. CC component 184, specifically CC segment 194, responds (a) insome general OI embodiments to that specific impact effect or (b) inother general OI embodiments to the general CC control signal thengenerated in response to that specific effect sometimes dependent on theabove-mentioned other impact criteria also being met in those otherembodiments, by causing IDVC portion 138 to appear as the specificchanged color (X_(i)) for that criteria set. The control signal may, forexample, be generatable at multiple control conditions respectivelyassociated with the criteria sets. The control signal is then actuallygenerated at the control condition for the criteria set met by theimpact.

X light advantageously generally becomes more distinct from A light asthe ratio R_(ARis/ADcc) of the radiosity of ARis light leaving IScomponent 182 during the normal state to the radiosity of ADcc lightleaving component 182 during the normal state decreases and as the ratioR_(ARis/XDcc) of the radiosity of ARis light leaving IS segment 192during the changed state to the radiosity of XDcc light leaving segment192 during the changed state likewise decreases. The radiosity of ARislight during the normal and changed states is usually made as small asreasonably feasible. The sum of radiosity ratios R_(ARis/ADcc) andR_(ARis/XDcc) is usually no more than 0.4, preferably no more than 0.3,more preferably no more than 0.2, even more preferably no more than 0.1.

Performing the impact-sensing and color-changing operations withseparate components 182 and 184 provides many benefits. More materialsare capable of separately performing the impact-sensing andcolor-changing operations than of jointly performing those operations.As a result, the ambit of colors for embodying colors A and X isincreased. Different shades of the embodiments of colors A and Xexistent in the absence of ARis light can be created by varying thereflection characteristics of IS component 182, specifically thewavelength and intensity characteristics of ARis light, without changingCC component 184. Print area 118 can be even better matched to OC area116. The ruggedness, especially the ability to successfully withstandimpacts, is enhanced. Consequently, the lifetime can be increased.

The ability to select and control the CC timing, both CC durationΔt_(dr) and the XN delays, is improved. Full forward XN delay Δt_(f) canbe as high as 0.4 s, sometimes as high as 0.6, 0.8, or 1.0 s but isusually reduced to no more than 0.2 s, preferably no more than 0.1 s,more preferably no more than 0.05 s, even more preferably no more than0.025 s. 50% forward XN delay Δt_(f50) correspondingly can be as high as0.2 s, sometimes as high as 0.3, 0.4, or 0.5 s but is usually reduced tono more than 0.1 s, preferably no more than 0.05 s, more preferably nomore than 0.025 s, even more preferably no more than 0.0125 s. These lowmaximum usual and preferred values for delays Δt_(f) and Δt_(f50) arehighly advantageous when the activity is a sport such as tennis in whichplayers and any official(s) need to make quick decisions on the impactlocations of a tennis ball embodying object 104.

The last 10% of the actual print-area transition from color A to color Xis comparatively long in some embodiments of OI structure 180. As aresult, the time period from OS time t_(os) to actual forward XN endtime t_(f100) is considerably greater than approximate full forwarddelay Δt_(f). See FIG. 10. In such embodiments, the comparatively longduration of the last 10% of the A-to-X transition is generally notsignificant because a person viewing surface 102 can usually readilyidentify print area 118 when it is close to, but not exactly, color X.In view of these considerations, 90% forward XN delay Δt_(f90) and10%-to-90% forward XN delay Δt_(f10-90) are important timing parameters.Since 90% forward delay Δt_(f90) starts at OS time t_(os) whereas10%-to-90% forward delay Δt_(f10-90) starts at 10% forward XN timet_(f10), delay Δt_(f90) can be greater than or less than delayΔt_(f10-90) depending on whether OS time t_(os) occurs before or after10% forward XN time t_(f10). By forming ISCC structure 132 withcomponents 182 and 184, especially when CC component 184 is configuredas described below for FIGS. 12a -12 c, each delay Δt_(f90) orΔt_(f10-90) can be as high as 0.4 s, sometimes as high as 0.6, 0.8, or1.0 s but is usually less than 0.2 s, preferably less than 0.1 s, morepreferably less than 0.05 s, even more preferably less than 0.025 s.This is likewise particularly advantageous when the activity is a sportsuch as tennis in which quick decisions are needed on tennis-ball impactlocations.

OC duration Δt_(oc), although usually quite small, can be long enoughthat 90% forward XN time t_(f90) occurs before OS time t_(os) when ISCCstructure 132 is formed with components 182 and 184. If so, 90% forwardXN delay Δt_(f90) and 10%-to-90% forward XN delay Δt_(f10-90) becomezero. Also, approximate forward XN end time t_(fe) may occur before OStime t_(os). If so, full forward delay Δt_(f) drops to zero. 50% forwardXN delay Δt_(f50) also drops to zero and, in fact, becomes zero whenevertime t_(f50) occurs before OS time t_(os).

A consequence of the reduced maximum Δt_(f), Δt_(f50), Δt_(f90), andΔt_(f10-90) values arising from forming ISCC structure 132 withcomponents 182 and 184 is that return XN delays Δt_(r), Δt_(r50),Δt_(r90), and Δt_(r10-90) are reduced. Approximate full return XN delayΔt_(r) usually has the same reduced maximum values as full forward delayΔt_(f). 50% return XN delay Δt_(r50) usually has the same reducedmaximum values as 50% forward delay Δt_(f50). 90% return XN delayΔt_(r90) and 10%-to-90% return XN delay Δt_(r10-90) usually have thesame reduced maximum values as forward delays Δt_(f90) and Δt_(f10-90).

The general impact effect can be transmitted outside VC region 106. Forinstance, the effect can take the form of a general location-identifyingimpact signal supplied to a separate general CC duration controller asdescribed below for FIGS. 54a and 54b or a characteristics-identifyingimpact signal supplied to a separate general intelligent CC controlleras described below for FIGS. 64a and 64 b. The effect can also take theform of multiple cellular location-identifying impact signals suppliedto a separate cell CC duration controller as described below for FIGS.59a and 59b or multiple characteristics-identifying impact signalssupplied to a separate intelligent cell CC controller as described belowfor FIGS. 69a and 69 b. When a duration controller is used, the effectis also provided to ID portion 138, or is converted into the general CCcontrol signal provided to portion 138, for producing a color change atprint area 118. However, the effect is not provided to portion 138 oralways converted into the control signal when an intelligent controlleris used. Instead, the intelligent controller makes a decision toprovide, or not provide, portion 138 with a CC initiation signal whichimplements, or leads to the generation of, the control signal thatproduces a color change at area 118.

The positions of components 182 and 184 can sometimes be reversed sothat IS component 182 extends between CC component 184 and substructure134. SF zone 112 is then the upper surface of component 184. Components182 and 184 still meet at interface 186. In this reversal, the pressureof the impact on OC area 116 or the deformation that object 104 causesalong SF DF area 122 is transmitted pressure-wise through component 184to produce excess internal pressure at IF segment 196. IS segment 192responds to the excess internal pressure at IF segment 196, and thus toobject 104 impacting OC area 116 so as to meet excess internal pressurecriteria that embody the TH impact criteria, by providing the generalimpact effect supplied to CC segment 194 or/and outside VC region 106for potential generation of the general CC control signal.

Object-Impact Structure having Impact-Sensitive Component and ChangeablyReflective or Changeably Emissive Color-Change Component

CC component 184 in OI structure 180 can be embodied in various ways toperform the CC function in accordance with the invention. In one groupof embodiments, the core of the mechanism used to achieve color changingis light reflection (and associated light absorption). Component 184 inthese embodiments is, for simplicity, termed “CR component 184” where“CR” again means changeably reflective. Light emission is the core ofthe mechanism used to achieve color changing in another group ofembodiments. Component 184 in these other embodiments is termed “CEcomponent 184” where “CE” again means changeably emissive.

Beginning with CR component 184, no significant amount of light isemitted by it so as to leave it during the normal or changed state.Starting with the normal state, CR component 184 normally reflects ARcclight which passes in substantial part through IS component 182. Normalreflected main color ARcc may be termed the first reflected main color.Including any ARis light normally reflected by IS component 182 and anyARsb light passing through it, A light is formed with ARcc light and anyARis and ARsb light normally leaving component 182 and thus VC region106. ARcc light, a reflective implementation of ADcc light here, isusually a majority component, preferably a 75% majority component, morepreferably a 90% majority component, of A light.

Responsive (a) in some general OI embodiments to the general impacteffect for the impact meeting the basic TH impact criteria or (b) inother general OI embodiments to the general CC control signal generatedin response to the effect sometimes dependent on other impact criteriaalso being met in those other embodiments, ID segment 194 of CRcomponent 184 temporarily reflects XRcc light, materially different fromARcc light, which passes in substantial part through IS segment 192during the changed state. Temporary reflected main color XRcc may betermed the second reflected main color. If IS component 182 normallyreflects ARis light, segment 192 continues to reflect ARis light.Including any XRsb light passing through segment 192, X light is formedwith XRcc light and any ARis and XRsb light leaving segment 192 and thusIDVC portion 138. XRcc light, a reflective implementation of XDcc lighthere, is usually a majority component, preferably a 75% majoritycomponent, more preferably a 90% majority component, of X light.

CR component 184 is an electrochromic structure or a photonic crystalstructure in a basic embodiment. An electrochromic structure containselectrochromic material which temporarily changes color upon undergoinga change in electronic state, such as a change in charge conditionresulting from a change in electric field across the material, inresponse to an electrical-effect implementation of the general impacteffect provided by IS segment 192. Examples of electrochromic materialare described in Fukuda, Inorganic Chromotropism: Basic Concepts andApplications of Colored Materials (Springer), 2007, pp. 34-36, 38, and291-336, and the references cited on those pages, contents incorporatedby reference herein. Alternatively, CR component 184 is one or more ofthe following light-processing structures in which the light processinggenerally involves reflecting light off particles: a dipolar suspensionstructure, an electrofluidic structure, an electrophoretic structure,and an electrowetting structure. CR component 184 may also be areflective liquid-crystal structure or a reflectivemicroelectricalmechanicalsystem (display) structure such as aninterferometric modulator structure or a transflective digital microshutter structure.

CE component 184 can be embodied to operate in either of two modestermed the single-emission and double-emission modes. These twoembodiments of CE component 184 are respectively termed single-emissionCE component 184 and double-emission CE component 184.

For single-emission CE component 184, the normal and changed states ofVC region 106 can be respectively designated as non-emissive andemissive states because significant light emission occurs during thechanged state but not during the normal state. Single-emission CEcomponent 184 operates the same during the normal (non-emissive) stateas CR component 184.

Responsive (a) in some general OI embodiments to the general impacteffect for the impact meeting the TH impact criteria or (b) in othergeneral OI embodiments to the general CC control signal generated inresponse to the effect sometimes dependent on other impact criteria alsobeing met in those other embodiments, ID segment 194 of single-emissionCE component 184 temporarily emits XEcc light which passes insubstantial part through IS segment 192 during the changed (emissive)state. CC segment 194 usually continues to reflect ARcc light whichpasses in substantial part through IS segment 192. XEcc and ARcc lightform XDcc light. Since IS component 182 may normally reflect ARis light,segment 192 may reflect ARis light. Including any XRsb light passingthrough segment 192, X light is formed with XEcc and ARcc light and anyARis and XRsb light leaving segment 192 and thus IDVC portion 138. XEcclight, an emissive component of XDcc light here, differs materially fromA, ADic, ADcc, and ARcc light. Either XEcc or ARcc light is usually amajority component of X light.

Alternatively, the emission of XEcc light may so affect CC segment 194of single-emission CE component 184 during the changed state thatsegment 194 ceases to reflect ARcc light and, instead, temporarilyreflects XRcc light significantly different from ARcc light. The XRcclight passes in substantial part through IS segment 192. XEcc and XRcclight now form XDcc light. The processing of any ARis and XRsb light isthe same. X light is then formed with XEcc and XRcc light and any ARisand XRsb light leaving segment 192 and thus IDVC portion 138. EitherXEcc or XRcc light is usually a majority component of X light.

Turning to double-emission CE component 184, the normal and changedstates of VC region 106 can be respectively designated as first emissiveand second emissive states because significant light emission occursduring both the normal and changed states. Double-emission CE component184 operates as follows during the normal (first emissive) state. Forthe normal state, CE component 184 normally emits AEcc light whichpasses in substantial part through IS component 182. Normal emitted maincolor AEcc may be termed the first emitted main color. CE component 184usually normally reflects ARcc light which passes in substantial partthrough IS component 182. Including any ARis light normally reflected bycomponent 182 and any ARsb light passing through it, A light is formedwith AEcc and ARcc light and any ARis and ARsb light normally leavingcomponent 182 and thus VC region 106. Either AEcc or ARcc light isusually a majority component of A light.

Double-emission CE component 184 responds, during the changed (secondemissive) state, (a) in some general OI embodiments to the generalimpact effect for the impact meeting the TH impact criteria or (b) inother general OI embodiments to the general CC control signal generatedin response to the effect sometimes dependent on other impact criteriaalso being met in those other embodiments basically the same assingle-emission CE component 184 responds during the changed (emissive)state. In particular, ID segment 194 of double-emission CE component 184temporarily emits XEcc light which passes in substantial part through ISsegment 192. Temporary emitted main color XEcc, which may be termed thesecond emitted main color, differs materially from normal (or first)emitted main color AEcc. CC segment 194 can implement this change byceasing to emit AEcc light and replacing it with XEcc light or byceasing to emit one or more components, but not all, of AEcc light,potentially accompanied by emitting additional light.

During the changed state, ID segment 194 of double-emission CE component184 usually continues to reflect ARcc light which passes in substantialpart through IS segment 192. Since IS component 182 may normally reflectARis light, segment 192 may again reflect ARis light. Including any XRsblight passing through segment 192, X light is formed with XEcc and ARcclight and any ARis and XRsb light leaving segment 192 and thus IDVCportion 138. Either XEcc or ARcc light is usually a majority componentof X light.

Alternatively, the emission of XEcc light may so affect ID segment 194of double-emission CE component 184 that CC segment 194 temporarilyceases to reflect ARcc light and instead temporarily reflects XRcc lightwhich passes through IS segment 192. Subject to segment 194 changingfrom emitting AEcc light to emitting XEcc light by ceasing to emit AEcclight and replacing it with XEcc light or by ceasing to emit one or morecomponents, but not all, of AEcc light, possibly accompanied by emittingadditional light, the operation of double-emission CE component 184during the changed state in this alternative is the same as that ofsingle-emission CE component 184 during the changed state in thecorresponding alternative.

Both the single-emission and double-emission embodiments of CE component184 are advantageous because use of light emission to produce changedcolor X enables print area 118 to be quite bright, thereby enhancingvisibility of the color change. CE component 184, either embodiment, mayvariously be one or more of the following light-processing structuresthat emit light: a backlit liquid-crystal structure, acathodoluminescent structure, a digital light processing structure, anelectrochromic fluorescent structure, an electrochromic luminescentstructure, an electrochromic phosphorescent structure, anelectroluminescent structure, an emissivemicroelectricalmechanicalsystem (display) structure (such as atime-multiplexed optical shutter or a backlit digital micro shutterstructure), a field-emission structure, a laser phosphor (display)structure, a light-emitting diode structure, a light-emittingelectrochemical cell structure, a liquid-crystal-over-silicon structure,an organic light-emitting diode structure, an organic light-emittingtransistor structure, a photoluminescent structure, a plasma panelstructure, a quantum-dot light-emitting diode structure, asurface-conduction-emission structure, a telescopic pixel (display)structure, and a vacuum fluorescent (display) structure. Organiclight-emitting diode structures are of particular interest because theyprovide bendability for impact resistance.

The above-described situation in which the positions of components 182and 184 are reversed is particularly suitable for embodying CC component184 as a CR CC component, especially an electrochromic or photoniccrystal structure, or a CE CC component, especially an electrochromicfluorescent, electrochromic luminescent, electrochromic phosphorescentstructure, or electroluminescent structure.

Object-Impact Structure having Impact-Sensitive Component andColor-Change Component that Utilizes Electrode Assembly

FIGS. 12a-12c (collectively “FIG. 12”) illustrate an embodiment 200 ofOI structure 180 and thus of OI structure 130. CC component 184 in OIstructure 200 consists of a principal electrode assembly 202, anoptional principal near (first) auxiliary layer 204 extending betweenelectrode assembly 202 and interface 186 to meet IS component 182, andan optional principal far (second) auxiliary layer 206 extending betweenassembly 202 and substructure 134. See FIG. 12 a. The adjectives “near”and “far” are used to differentiate near auxiliary layer 204 and farauxiliary layer 206 relative to their distances from SF zone 112, farauxiliary layer 206 being farther from zone 112 than near auxiliarylayer 204. “NA” and “FA” hereafter respectively mean near auxiliary andfar auxiliary. Assembly 202, NA layer 204, and FA layer and 206 allusually extend parallel to one another and parallel to zone 112 andinterface 136.

NA layer 204, if present, usually contains insulating material forisolating IS component 182 and assembly 202 from each other asnecessary. FA layer 206, if present, usually contains insulatingmaterial for appropriately isolating assembly 202 from substructure 134as desired. Auxiliary layers 204 and 206 may perform other functions.Electrical conductors may be incorporated into NA layer 204 forelectrically connecting selected parts of component 182 to selectedparts of assembly 202. If VC region 106, potentially in combination withFC region 108, is manufactured as a separate unit and later installed onsubstructure 134, FA layer 206 protects assembly 202 during the timebetween manufacture of the unit and its installation on substructure134. In some liquid-crystal embodiments of CC component 184, NA layer204 includes a polarizer while FA layer 206 includes a polarizer andeither a light reflector or a light emitter.

Light travels from interface 186 through NA layer 204, usually largelytransparent, to assembly 202 and vice versa. Hence, light leavesassembly 202 along layer 204. In some embodiments of CC component 184,light also travels from interface 186 through both NA layer 204 andassembly 202 to FA layer 206 and vice versa. Light leaves FA layer 206along assembly 202 in those embodiments. Preferably, no light strikinglayer 206 along assembly 202 passes fully through layer 206 to interface136 during the normal or changed state. In particular, all lightstriking layer 206 along assembly 202 is preferably either absorbed orreflected by layer 206 so that there is no ARsb or XRsb light.

Auxiliary layers 204 and 206 may or may not be significantly involved indetermining color change along print area 118. If layer 204 or 206 issignificantly involved in determining color change, the involvement isusually passive. That is, light processed by layer 204 or 206 undergoeschanges largely caused by changes in light processed by assembly 202rather than partly or fully by changes in the physical or/and chemicalcharacteristics of layer 204 or 206.

FA layer 206 (if present) operates during the normal state according toa light non-outputting normal general far auxiliary mode or one ofseveral versions of a light outputting normal general far auxiliary modedepending on how subcomponents 202, 204, and 206 are configured andconstituted. “GFA” hereafter means general far auxiliary. Largely nolight leaves FA layer 206 along assembly 202 in the light non-outputtingnormal GFA mode. The light outputting normal GFA mode consists of one orboth of the following actions: (i) any ARsb light passes in substantialpart through layer 206 and (ii) light, termed ADfa light, is reflectedor/and emitted by layer 206 so as to leave it along assembly 202.

ADfa light, which excludes any ARsb light, consists of (a) light (ifany), termed ARfa light, normally reflected by FA layer 206 so as toleave it along assembly 202 after striking SF zone 112, passing throughIS component 182, NA layer 204 (if present), and assembly 202 and (b)light (if any), termed AEfa light, normally emitted by layer 206 so asto leave it along assembly 202. Reflected ARfa light is typicallypresent when ADfa light is present. The total light (if any), termedATfa light, leaving layer 206 in the light outputting normal GFA modeconsists of any ARfa and AEfa light provided directly by layer 206 andany ARsb light passing through it. This operation of layer 206 appliesto situations in which it is both significantly used, and not used, indetermining color change along zone 112.

Taking note that NA layer 204 may not be present in CC component 184, arecitation that light leaves assembly 202 means that the light leaves italong IS component 182, and thus via interface 186, if layer 204 isabsent. Assembly 202 operates during the normal state according to alight non-outputting normal general assembly mode or one of a group ofversions of a light outputting normal general assembly mode depending onhow subcomponents 202, 204, and 206 are configured and constituted.“GAB” hereafter means general assembly. Largely no light normally leavesassembly 202 along NA layer 204 in the light non-outputting normal GABmode. The light outputting normal GAB mode consists of one or more ofthe following actions: (i) a substantial part of any ARsb light passingthrough FA layer 206 passes through assembly 202, (ii) substantial partsof any FA-layer-provided ARfa and AEfa light pass through assembly 202,and (iii) light, termed ADab light, is reflected or/and emitted byassembly 202 so as to leave it along NA layer 204.

ADab light, which excludes any ARfa or ARsb light, consists of (a) light(if any), termed ARab light, normally reflected by assembly 202 so as toleave it along NA layer 204 after striking SF zone 112, passing throughIS component 182, and layer 204 and (b) light (if any), termed AEablight, normally emitted by assembly 202 so as to leave it along layer204. Reflected ARab light is typically present when ADab light ispresent. The total light, termed ATab light, leaving assembly 202 in thelight outputting normal GAB mode consists of any ARab and AEab lightprovided directly by assembly 202, any FA-layer-provided ARfa and AEfalight passing through it, and any ARsb light passing through it.

ADfa light is present in some versions, but absent in other versions, ofthe light outputting normal GAB mode. When ADfa light is absent, ARsblight is also usually absent. Emitted AEab light is typically absentfrom the light outputting normal GAB mode when emitted AEfa light ispresent in it and vice versa. Either ADab or ADfa light, and thereforeone of ARab, AEab, ARfa, and AEfa light, is usually a majoritycomponent, preferably a 75% majority component, more preferably a 90%majority component, of each of A, ADic, and ADcc light depending on howsubcomponents 202, 204, and 206 are configured and constituted.

Substantial parts of any ARab, AEab, ARfa, AEfa, and ARsb light leavingassembly 202 pass through NA layer 204. In addition, layer 204 maynormally reflect light, termed ARna light, which leaves it via interface186 after striking SF zone 112 and passing through IS component 182 andwhich thus excludes any ARab, ARfa, or ARsb light. Total ATcc lightnormally leaving layer 204, and therefore CC component 184, consists ofany assembly-provided ARab and AEab light passing through layer 204, anyFA-layer-provided ARfa and AEfa light passing through it, any ARna lightreflected by it, and any ARsb light passing through it.

Inasmuch as any ARab, AEab, ARfa, AEfa, and ARsb light leaving NA layer204 form ATab light leaving layer 204 via interface 186, ATcc lightleaving CC component 184 is also expressed as consisting of ATab lightand any ARna light leaving layer 204. Also, any ARab, AEab, ARfa, AEfa,and ARna light leaving layer 204 form ADcc light leaving component 184.Substantial parts of any ARab, AEab, ARfa, AEfa, ARna, and ARsb lightleaving component 184 pass through IS component 182. Including any ARislight reflected by component 182, A light is formed with any ARab, AEab,ARfa, AEfa, ARis, ARna, and ARsb light normally leaving component 182and thus VC region 106.

Changes in the color of IDVC portion 138 occur due to changes inassembly 202 in responding (a) in first general OI embodiments to thegeneral impact effect provided by IS segment 192 for the impact meetingthe basic TH impact criteria or (b) in second general OI embodiments tothe general CC control signal generated in response to the effectsometimes dependent on other impact criteria also being met in thesecond embodiments. The assembly changes are sometimes accompanied, asmentioned above, by changes in the light processed by NA layer 204, ifpresent, or/and FA layer 206, if present. Referring to FIGS. 12b and 12cwith this in mind, item 212 is the ID segment of assembly 202 present inportion 138. Items 214 and 216 respectively are the ID segments ofauxiliary layers 204 and 206 present in portion 138.

During the changed state, ID segment 216 of FA layer 206 (if present)temporarily operates, usually passively, according to a lightnon-outputting changed GFA mode or one of several versions of a lightoutputting changed GFA mode. Largely no light leaves FA segment 216along ID assembly segment 212 in the light non-outputting changed GFAmode, “AB” hereafter meaning assembly. The light outputting changed GFAmode consists of one or both of the following actions: (i) any XRsblight passes in substantial part through FA segment 216 and (ii) light,termed XDfa light, is reflected or/and emitted by segment 216 so as toleave it along AB segment 212.

XDfa light, which excludes any XRsb light, consists of (a) light (ifany), termed XRfa light, temporarily reflected by FA segment 216 so asto leave it along AB segment 212 after striking print area 118, passingthrough IS segment 192, ID segment 214 of NA layer 204 (if present), andAB segment 212 and (b) light (if any), termed XEfa light, temporarilyemitted by FA segment 216 so as to leave it along AB segment 212.Reflected XRfa light is typically present when XDfa light is present.Reflection of XRfa light or/and emission of XEfa light leaving FAsegment 216 along AB segment 212 usually occur under control of segment212 in response (a) in the first general OI embodiments to the generalimpact effect for the impact meeting the basic TH impact criteria or (b)in the second general OI embodiments to the general CC control signalgenerated in response to the effect sometimes dependent on other impactcriteria also being met in the second embodiments. If FA layer 206normally reflects ARfa light or/and emits AEfa light, a change in whichlargely no light temporarily leaves FA segment 216 likewise usuallyoccurs under control of AB segment 212 in responding to the impacteffect or to the control signal. The total light (if any), termed XTfalight, leaving FA segment 216 in the light outputting changed GFA modeconsists of any XRfa and XEfa light provided directly by segment 216 andany XRsb light passing through it.

The foregoing operation of FA segment 216 applies to situations in whichFA layer 206 is both significantly used, and not used, in determiningcolor change along print area 118. XDfa light usually differs materiallyfrom A, ADic, ADcc, ADab, and ADfa light if layer 206 is significantlyinvolved in determining color change along area h. The same appliesusually to XRfa and XEfa light if both are present and, of course, toXRfa or XEfa light if it is present but respective XEfa or XRfa light isabsent.

Again noting that NA layer 204 may not be present in CC component 184, arecitation that light leaves AB segment 212 means that the light leavessegment 212 along IS segment 192, and thus via IF segment 196, if layer204 is absent. During the changed state, AB segment 212 responds (a) inthe first general OI embodiments to the general impact effect or (b) inthe second general OI embodiments to the general CC control signalgenerated in response to the effect sometimes dependent on both the THimpact criteria and other criteria being met by temporarily operatingaccording to a light non-outputting changed GAB mode or one of a groupof versions of a light outputting changed GAB mode. Largely no lightleaves segment 212 along NA segment 214 in the light non-outputtingchanged GAB mode. The light outputting changed GAB mode consists of oneor more of the following actions: (i) a substantial part of any XRsblight passing through FA segment 216 passes through AB segment 212, (ii)substantial parts of any FA-segment-provided XRfa and XEfa light passthrough segment 212, and (iii) light, termed XDab light, is reflectedor/and emitted by segment 212 so as to leave it along NA segment 214.

XDab light, which excludes any XRfa or XRsb light, consists of (a) light(if any), termed XRab light, temporarily reflected by AB segment 212 soas to leave it along NA segment 214 after striking print area 118,passing through IS segment 192 and NA segment 214 and (b) light (ifany), termed XEab light, temporarily emitted by AB segment 212 so as toleave it along NA segment 214. Reflected XRab light is typically presentwhen XDab light is present. The total light, termed XTab light, leavingAB segment 212 in the light outputting changed GAB mode consists of anyXRab and XEab light provided directly by segment 212, anyFA-segment-provided XRfa and XEfa light passing through it, and any XRsblight passing through it.

XDfa light is present in some versions, but is absent in other versions,of the light outputting changed GAB mode. When XDfa light is absent,XRsb light is also usually absent. Emitted XEab light is typicallyabsent from the light outputting changed GAB mode when emitted XEfalight is present in it and vice versa. XDab light usually differsmaterially from A, ADic, ADcc, ADab, and ADfa light if FA layer 206 isnot significantly involved in determining color change along print area118. The same applies usually to XRab and XEab light if both are presentand, of course, to XRab or XEab light if it is present but respectiveXEab or XRab light is absent. Either XDab or XDfa light, and thus one ofXRab, XEab, XRfa, and XEfa light, is usually a majority component,preferably a 75% majority component, more preferably a 90% majoritycomponent, of each of X, XDic, and XDcc light depending on theconfiguration and constitution of subcomponents 202, 204, and 206.

Substantial parts of any XRab, XEab, XRfa, XEfa, and XRsb light leavingAB segment 212 pass through NA segment 214. In addition, segment 214 mayreflect light, termed XRna light, which leaves it via IF segment 196during the changed state after striking print area 118 and passingthrough IS segment 192 and which thus excludes any XRab, XRfa, or XRsblight. XRna light is usually largely ARna light. If NA segment 214undergoes a change so that XRna light significantly differs from ARnalight, the change usually occurs under control of AB segment 212 inresponding to the general impact effect or to the general CC controlsignal. Total XTcc light temporarily leaving NA segment 214, andtherefore CC segment 194, consists of any AB-segment-provided XRab andXEab light passing through segment 214, any FA-segment-provided XRfa andXEfa light passing through it, any XRna light directly reflected by it,and any XRsb light passing through it.

Inasmuch as any XRab, XEab, XRfa, XEfa, and XRsb light leaving NAsegment 214 form XTab light leaving it via IF segment 196, XTcc lightleaving CC segment 194 is also expressed as consisting of XTab light andany XRna light leaving NA segment 214. Any XRab, XEab, XRfa, XEfa, andXRna light leaving segment 214 form XDcc light leaving CC segment 194.Substantial parts of any XRab, XEab, XRfa, XEfa, XRna, and XRsb lightleaving segment 194 pass through IS segment 192. If IS component 182normally reflects ARis light, segment 192 continues to reflect ARislight. X light is formed with any XRab, XEab, XRfa, XEfa, ARis, XRna,and XRsb light temporarily leaving segment 192 and thus IDVC portion138.

Different shades of the embodiments of colors A and X occurring in theabsence of ARna and XRna light can be created by varying the reflectioncharacteristics of NA layer 204, specifically the wavelength andintensity characteristics of ARna and XRna light, without changingassembly 202 or FA layer 206. NA layer 204 can thus strongly influencecolor A or/and color X.

Either of the changed GAB modes, including any of the versions of thelight outputting changed GAB mode, can generally be employed with eitherof the normal GAB modes, including any of the versions of the lightoutputting normal GAB mode, in an embodiment of CC component 184 exceptfor employing the light non-outputting changed GAB mode with the lightnon-outputting normal GAB mode provided, however, that the operation ofthe changed GAB mode is compatible with the operation of normal GAB modein that embodiment. This compatibility requirement may effectivelypreclude employing certain versions of the light outputting changed GABmode with certain versions of the light outputting normal GAB mode.

When two versions of the light outputting normal GAB mode differ only inthat ARsb light is present in one of the versions and absent in theother, the difference is generally of a relatively minor nature. Thesame applies when the only difference between two versions of the lightoutputting changed GAB mode is that XRsb light is present in one of theversions and absent in the other. Subject to the preceding compatibilityrequirement, the major combinations of one of the changed GAB modes withone of the normal GAB modes consist of employing the lightnon-outputting changed GAB mode or the light outputting changed GAB modefor a version in which (a) XRfa or/and XEfa light provided by FA segment216 passes through AB segment 212 or/and (b) XRab or/and XEab light isprovided directly by segment 212 with the light non-outputting normalGAB mode or the light outputting normal GAB mode for a version in which(a) ARfa or/and AEfa light provided by FA layer 206 passes throughassembly 202 or/and (b) ARab or/and AEab light is provided directly byassembly 202 again except for employing the light non-outputting changedGAB mode with the light non-outputting normal GAB mode.

Configuration and General Operation of Electrode Assembly

Electrode assembly 202 in OI structure 200 consists of a principal corelayer 222, principal near (first) electrode structure 224, and principalfar (second) electrode structure 226 located generally opposite, andspaced apart from, near electrode structure 224. Core layer 222 liesbetween electrode structures 224 and 226. “NE” and “FE” hereafterrespectively mean near electrode and far electrode. FE structure 226 isfarther away from SF zone 112 than NE structure 224 so that structures224 and 226 respectively meet auxiliary layers 204 and 206. Core layer222 and structures 224 and 226 all usually extend parallel to oneanother and to auxiliary layers 204 and 206, zone 112, and interface136. Each structure 224 or 226 contains a layer (not separately shown)for conducting electricity. Structures 224 and 226 control core layer222 as further described below and typically process light, usuallypassively, which affects the operation of layer 222 and thus CCcomponent 184.

Light travels from NA layer 204 or, if it is absent, from interface 186through NE structure 224 (including its electrode layer) to core layer222 and vice versa. Accordingly, light leaves layer 222 along structure224. In some embodiments of CC component 184, light travels frominterface 186 through structure 224, layer 222, and FE structure 226(similarly including its electrode layer) to FA layer 206 and vice versaso that light leaves layer 206 along structure 226.

FE structure 226 operates as follows during the normal state. Whenassembly 202 is in the light non-outputting normal GAB mode, largely nolight leaves structure 226 along core layer 222. One or more of thefollowing actions occur with structure 226 when assembly 202 is in thelight outputting normal GAB mode: (i) a substantial part of any ARsblight passing through FA layer 206 (if present) passes through structure226, (ii) substantial parts of any ARfa and AEfa light provided by layer206 pass through structure 226, and (iii) structure 226 reflects light,termed ARfe light, which leaves it along core layer 222 after strikingSF zone 112 and passing through IS component 182, NA layer 204 (ifpresent), NE structure 224, and core layer 222 and which thus excludesany ARfa or ARsb light. The total light (if any), termed ATfe light,normally leaving structure 226 consists of any ARfa and AEfa lightprovided by FA layer 206 so as to pass through structure 226, any ARfelight directly reflected by it, and any ARsb light passing through it.

Core layer 222 operates as follows during the normal state. Whenassembly 202 is in the light non-outputting normal GAB mode, largely nolight normally leaves layer 222 along NE structure 224. One or more ofthe following actions occur with layer 222 when assembly 202 is in thelight outputting normal GAB mode so as to implement it for layer 222:(i) a substantial part of any ARsb light passing through FE structure226 passes through layer 222, (ii) substantial parts of anyFA-layer-provided ARfa and AEfa light passing through structure 226 passthrough layer 222, (iii) a substantial part of any ARfe light reflectedby structure 226 passes through layer 222, and (iv) light, termed ADcllight and of wavelength for a normal reflected/emitted core color ADcl,is reflected or/and emitted by layer 222 so as to leave it along NEstructure 224.

ADcl light, which excludes any ARfe, ARfa, or ARsb light, consists of(a) light (if any), termed ARcl light and of wavelength for a normalreflected core color ARcl, normally reflected by core layer 222 so as toleave it along NE structure 224 after striking SF zone 112, passingthrough IS component 182, NA layer 204, and structure 224 and (b) light(if any), termed AEcl light and of wavelength for a normal emitted corecolor AEcl, normally emitted by core layer 222 so as to leave it alongstructure 224. Reflected ARcl light is typically present when ADcl lightis present. The total light, termed ATcl light and of wavelength for anormal total core color ATcl, leaving layer 222 in the light outputtingnormal GAB mode consists of any ARcl and AEcl light provided directly bylayer 222 and any ARfa, AEfa, ARfe, and ARsb light passing through it.

Emitted AEcl light is typically absent from the light outputting normalGAB mode when emitted AEfa light is present in it and vice versa. WhenADfa light is absent, each of ADcl light and either ARcl or AEcl lightis usually a majority component, preferably a 75% majority component,more preferably a 90% majority component, of each of A, ADic, ADcc, andADab light depending on how subcomponents 202, 204, and 206 areconfigured and constituted.

Substantial parts of any ARcl, AEcl, ARfa, AEfa, ARfe, and ARsb lightnormally leaving core layer 222 pass through NE structure 224. Inaddition, structure 224 may normally reflect light, termed ARne light,which leaves it along NA layer 204 after striking SF zone 112 andpassing through IS component 182 and layer 204 and which thus excludesany ARcl, ARfa, ARfe, or ARsb light. Total ATab light normally leavingstructure 224, and therefore assembly 202, consists of any ARcl, AEcl,ARfa, AEfa, ARfe, and ARsb light passing through structure 224 and anyARne light directly reflected by it.

Any ARcl, AEcl, ARne, and ARfe light leaving NE structure 224 form ADablight leaving assembly 202. Any ARcl, AEcl, ARfa, AEfa, ARna, ARne, andARfe light leaving NA layer 204 form ADcc light leaving CC component184. Additionally, ARcc light reflected by component 184 consists of anyARab, ARfa, and ARna light, ARab light being formed with any ARcl, ARne,and ARfe light. AEcc light emitted by component 184 consists of any AEaband AEfa light, AEab light being formed with any AEcl light.

Changes in AB segment 212 during the changed state arise from electricalsignals applied to electrode structures 224 and 226 in response (a) inthe first general OI embodiments to the general impact effect providedby IS segment 192 for the impact meeting the basic TH impact criteria or(b) in the second general OI embodiments to the general CC controlsignal generated in response to the effect sometimes dependent on otherimpact criteria also being met in the second embodiments. Referringagain to FIGS. 12b and 12 c, item 232 is the ID segment of core layer222 present in IDVC portion 138. Items 234 and 236 respectively are theID segments of structures 224 and 226 present in portion 138.

ID FE segment 236 operates as follows during the changed state. Whenassembly 202 is in the light non-outputting changed GAB mode, largely nolight leaves FE segment 236 along ID core segment 232. One or more ofthe following actions occur with FE segment 236 when assembly 202 is inthe light outputting changed GAB mode: (i) a substantial part of anyXRsb light passing through ID segment 216 of FA layer 206 (if present)passes through segment 236, (ii) substantial parts of any XRfa and XEfalight provided by FA segment 216 pass through segment 236, and (iii)segment 236 reflects light, termed XRfe light, which leaves it alongcore segment 232 after striking print area 118 and passing through ISsegment 192, segment 214 of NA layer 204 (if present), ID NE segment234, and core segment 232 and which thus excludes any XRfa or XRsblight. The total light (if any), termed XTfe light, temporarily leavingFE segment 236 consists of any FA-segment-provided XRfa and XEfa lightpassing through segment 236, any XRfe light directly reflected by it,and any XRsb light passing through it. XRfe light can be the same as, orsignificantly different from, ARfe light depending on how the lightprocessing in IDVC portion 138 during the changed state differs from thelight processing in VC region 106 during the normal state.

Core segment 232 responds (a) in the first general OI embodiments to thegeneral impact effect or (b) in the second general OI embodiments to thegeneral CC control signal generated in response to the effect sometimesdependent on both the TH impact criteria and other criteria being met bytemporarily operating as follows during the changed state. When assembly202 is in the light non-outputting changed GAB mode, largely no lightleaves segment 232 along NE segment 234. One or more of the followingactions occur in core segment 232 when assembly 202 is in the lightoutputting changed GAB mode so as to implement it for segment 232: (i) asubstantial part of any XRsb light passing through FE segment 236 passesthrough core segment 232, (ii) substantial parts of anyFA-segment-provided XRfa and XEfa light passing through FE segment 236pass through core segment 232, (iii) a substantial part of any XRfelight reflected by FE segment 236 passes through core segment 232, and(iv) light, termed XDcl light and of wavelength for a temporaryreflected/emitted core color XDcl, is reflected or/and emitted bysegment 232 so as to leave it along NE segment 234.

XDcl light, which excludes any XRfa, XRfe, or XRsb light, consists of(a) light (if any), termed XRcl light and of wavelength for a temporaryreflected core color XRcl, temporarily reflected by core segment 232 soas to leave it along NE segment 234 after striking print area 118,passing through IS segment 192, NA segment 214, and NE segment 234 and(b) light (if any), termed XEcl light and of wavelength for a temporaryemitted core color XEcl, temporarily emitted by core segment 232 so asto leave it along NE segment 234. Reflected XRcl light is typicallypresent when XDcl light is present. The total light, termed XTcl lightand of wavelength for a temporary total core color XTcl, leaving coresegment 232 in the light outputting changed GAB mode consists of anyXRcl and XEcl light provided directly by segment 232 and any XRfa, XEfa,XRfe, and XRsb light passing through it. XTcl light differs materiallyfrom ATcl light.

Emitted XEcl light is typically absent from the light outputting changedGAB mode when emitted XEfa light is present in it and vice versa. XDcllight usually differs materially from A, ADic, ADcc, ADab, ADcl, andADfa light if FA layer 206 is not significantly involved in determiningcolor change along print area 118. The same applies usually to XRcl andAEcl light if both are present and, of course, to XRcl or XEcl light ifit is present but respective XEcl or XRcl light is absent. When XDfalight is absent, each of XDcl light and either XRcl or XEcl light isusually a majority component, preferably a 75% majority component, morepreferably a 90% majority component, of each of X, XDic, XDcc, and XDablight depending on how subcomponents 202, 204, and 206 are configuredand constituted.

Substantial parts of any XRcl, XEcl, XRfa, XEfa, XRfe, and XRsb lightleaving core segment 232 during the changed state pass through NEsegment 234. If NE structure 224 reflects ARne light during the normalstate, segment 234 reflects light, termed XRne light, which leaves italong NA segment 214 during the changed state after striking print area118 and passing through IS segment 192 and NA segment 214 and which thusexcludes any XRcl, XRfa, XRfe, or XRsb light. XRne light is usuallylargely ARne light. If XRne light significantly differs from ARne light,the difference usually arises due to segment 214 undergoing a changeunder control of AB segment 212 in responding to the general impacteffect or to the general CC control signal. Total XTab light temporarilyleaving NE segment 234, and therefore AB segment 212, consists of anyXRcl, XEcl, XRfa, XEfa, XRfe, and XRsb light passing through NE segment234 and any XRne light reflected by it. XTab light differs materiallyfrom ATab light.

Any XRcl, XEcl, XRne, and XRfe light leaving NE segment 234 form XDablight leaving AB segment 212. Any XRcl, XEcl, XRfa, XEfa, XRna, XRne,and XRfe light leaving NA segment 214 form XDcc light leaving CC segment194. Also, XRcc light reflected by segment 194 consists of any XRab,XRfa, and XRna light, XRab light being formed with any XRcl, XRne, andXRfe light. XEcc light emitted by segment 194 consists of any XEab lightand any XEfa light, XEab light being formed with any XEcl light.

Expanding on what was stated above in order to accommodate lightreflected by NE structure 224, when two versions of the light outputtingnormal GAB mode differ only in that ARne or/and ARsb light is present inone of the versions and absent in the other version, the difference isgenerally of a relatively minor nature. The same applies when the onlydifference between two versions of the light outputting changed GAB modeis that XRne or/and XRsb light is present in one of the versions andabsent in the other version. Subject to the above-mentionedcompatibility requirement and particularizing to light provided by corelayer 222, the major combinations of one of the changed GAB modes withone of the normal GAB modes consist of employing the lightnon-outputting changed GAB mode or the light outputting changed GAB modefor a version in which (a) XRfa or/and XEfa light provided by FA segment216 passes through AB segment 212 or/and (b) XRcl or/and XEcl lightprovided by core segment 232 passes through NE segment 234 with thelight non-outputting normal GAB mode or the light outputting normal GABmode for a version in which (a) ARfa or/and AEfa light provided by FAlayer 206 passes through assembly 202 or/and (b) ARcl or/and AEcl lightprovided by core layer 222 passes through NE structure 224 again exceptfor employing the light non-outputting changed GAB mode with the lightnon-outputting normal GAB mode.

The reliability and longevity of OI structure 200 are generally enhancedwhen the pressure inside assembly 202, specifically inside core layer222, is close to atmospheric pressure. More particularly, the averagepressure across layer 222 of any fluid (liquid or/and gas) in layer 222during operation of structure 200 is preferably at least 0.25 atm, morepreferably at least 0.5 atm, even more preferably at least 0.75 atm, yetmore preferably at least 0.9 atm, and is preferably no more than 2 atm,more preferably no more than 1.5 atm, even more preferably no more than1.25 atm, yet more preferably no more than 1.1 atm.

Electrode Layers and their Characteristics and Compositions

The electrode layers of NE structure 224 and FE structure 226 arerespectively termed NE and FE layers and can be embodied in variousways. Each NE or FE layer may be implemented with two or more electrodesublayers. In one embodiment, each electrode layer is a patterned layerlaterally extending largely across the full extent of VC region 106. Inanother embodiment, one electrode layer, typically the NE layer, is apatterned layer extending largely across the full lateral extent ofregion 106 while the other electrode layer is a blanket layer (or sheet)extending largely across the full lateral extent of region 106.

Each patterned electrode layer may consist of one electrode or multipleelectrodes spaced laterally apart from one another. The space to thesides of each patterned electrode layer is typically largely occupiedwith insulating material but can be largely empty or largely occupiedwith gas such as air. If each patterned electrode layer consists ofmultiple electrodes, one or more layers of conductive material may lieover or/and under the electrodes for electrical contacting them.

When each electrode layer is a patterned layer formed with multipleelectrodes, the patterns can be the same such that the electrodes ineach electrode layer lie respectively opposite the electrodes in theother electrode layer. The cellular structures described below for VCregion 106 in regard to FIGS. 38 a, 38 b, 43 a, 43 b, 46 a, 46 b, 48 a,48 b, 50 a, 50 b, and 53 present examples in which each electrode layeris a patterned layer consisting of multiple electrodes with the space tothe sides of the electrodes largely occupied with insulating materialand with the electrodes in each electrode layer lying respectivelyopposite the electrodes in the other electrode layer. Alternatively, thepatterns in the electrode layers can differ materially so that theelectrodes in the NE layer materially overlap the electrodes in the FElayer at selected sites across region 106.

In a third embodiment of electrode structures 224 and 226, eachelectrode layer is a blanket layer laterally extending largely acrossthe full extent of VC region 106. The conductivity of one of the blanketelectrode layers, typically the NE layer, is usually so low that avoltage applied to a specified point in that blanket layer attenuatesrelatively rapidly in spreading across the layer so as to effectively bereceived only in a relatively small area containing thevoltage-application point of that electrode layer.

Core layer 222 contains thickness locations, termed chief core thicknesslocations, lying between opposite portions of the electrode layers,e.g., thickness locations extending perpendicular to both electrodelayers. Depending on how the electrode layers are configured, layer 222may also have thickness locations, termed subsidiary core thicknesslocations, not lying between opposite portions of the electrode layers.A subsidiary core thickness location occurs when an infinitely longstraight line extending through that location generally parallel to itslateral surfaces, generally parallel to the lateral surfaces of thenearest chief core thickness location, and generally perpendicular tothe electrode layers extends through only one of the electrode layers orthrough neither electrode layer. Let (a) V_(n) represent thecontrollable voltage, termed the near (or first) controllable voltage,at any point in the NE layer, (b) V_(f) represent the controllablevoltage, termed the far (or second) controllable voltage, at any pointin the FE layer, and (c) V_(nf) represent the control voltage differenceV_(n)−V_(f) between controllable voltages V_(n) and V_(f) at those twopoints in the electrode layers. With the foregoing in mind, OI structure200, including assembly 202, operates as follows.

Referring to FIG. 12 a, near controllable voltage V_(n) is normallylargely at the same near normal control value V_(nN) throughout the NElayer regardless of whether it consists of one electrode, patterned orunpatterned (blanket), or multiple electrodes. Similarly, farcontrollable voltage V_(f) is normally largely at the same far normalcontrol value V_(fN) throughout the FE layer regardless of whether it isformed with a single electrode, patterned or unpatterned, or multipleelectrodes. Let V_(nfN) represent the normal value V_(nN)−V_(fN) ofcontrol voltage V_(nf) constituted as difference V_(n)−V_(f). Ignoringany dielectric or semiconductor material between core layer 222 andeither electrode layer, the electrode layers normally apply (a) avoltage equal to normal control value V_(nfN) across essentially everychief thickness core location and (b) a voltage of the same sign as, butof lesser magnitude than, normal value V_(nfN) across any subsidiarythickness core location.

The characteristics of core layer 222 and the core-layer voltagedistribution resulting from normal control value V_(nfN) are chosen sothat, during the normal state, total ATab light consists of any ADab,ADfa, and ARsb light. Again, ADab light again consists of any ARcl,AEcl, ARne, and ARfe light while ADfa light consists of any ARfa andAEfa light. NA layer 204 is sufficiently transmissive of ATab light thatATcc light formed with ATab light and any ARna light normally leaves CCcomponent 184. Similarly, IS component 182 is sufficiently transmissiveof ATcc light that A light formed with ATcc light and any ARis lightnormally leaves VC region 106.

VC region 106 often provides the principal general CC control signal inresponse to the general impact effect supplied by IS segment 192.Referring to FIGS. 12b and 12 c, the control signal consists of changingcontrol voltage V_(nf) for IDVC portion 138 to a changed control valueV_(nfC) materially different from normal control value V_(nfN). Region106 goes to the changed state. The control signal as formed with changedcontrol value V_(nfC) can be generated by various parts of region 106,e.g., by component 182, specifically segment 192, or by a portion, suchas NA layer 204, of CC component 184. Voltage V_(nf) remainssubstantially at normal value V_(nfN) for the remainder of region 106.

The general CC control signal can alternatively originate outside VCregion 106. For instance, the control signal can be a general CCinitiation signal conditionally supplied from an intelligent CCcontroller as described below for FIGS. 64a and 64 b. In a cellularembodiment of assembly 202 as described below for FIG. 43a and 43 b, 46a and 46 b, 48 a and 48 b, 50 a and 50 b, or 53, the control signal canconsist of multiple cellular CC initiation signals supplied respectivelyto full CM cells, specifically to their electrode parts, as describedbelow for FIG. 71 or 73.

The general CC control signal is applied between a voltage-applicationlocation in the NE layer and a voltage-application location in the FElayer. “VA” hereafter means voltage-application. At least one of the VAlocations is in ID segment 194 of CC component 184 and depends on whereobject 104 contacts SF zone 112. Near controllable voltage V_(n) at theVA location in the NE layer is then at a near (or first) CC controlvalue V_(nC). Far controllable voltage V_(f) at the VA location in theFE layer is at a far (or second) CC control value V_(fC). Depending onhow the control signal is generated, CC values V_(nC) and V_(fC) may berespectively the same as, or respectively differ from, normal valuesV_(nN) and V_(fN) as long as far CC value V_(fC) differs materially fromfar normal value V_(fN) if near CC value V_(nC) is the same as nearnormal value V_(nN) and vice versa. In any event, CC values V_(nC) andV_(fC) are chosen so that changed value V_(nfC) differs materially fromnormal value V_(nfN).

The VA locations in the electrode layers can be variously implementeddepending on their configurations. If each electrode layer is apatterned layer, the VA location in the NE layer extends partly or fullyacross ID segment 234 of NE structure 224, and the VA location in the FElayer extends partly or fully across ID segment 236 of FE structure 226.If one of the electrode layers, typically the NE layer, is a patternedlayer while the other electrode layer is a blanket layer, the VAlocation in the patterned electrode layer extends partly or fully acrossits electrode segment 234 or 236, and the VA location in the otherelectrode layer extends partly or fully across the other electrodesegment 236 or 234 and laterally beyond that other electrode segment 236or 234, e.g., across the full lateral extent of VC region 106. If eitherpatterned electrode layer consists of multiple electrodes, the VAlocation in that multi-electrode electrode layer may partly or fullyencompass two or more of its electrodes.

If each electrode layer is a blanket layer with the conductivity of oneof the electrode layers, again typically the NE layer, being so low thata voltage applied to a specified point in that blanket electrode layerattenuates relatively rapidly in spreading across it so as toeffectively be received only in a relatively small area containing thatlayer's VA point, the small area in that blanket electrode layerconstitutes its VA location and lies in electrode segment 234 or 236where voltage V_(n) or V_(f) is effectively received at CC value V_(nC)or V_(fC). The VA location in the other electrode layer usually extendspartly or fully across its electrode segment 236 or 234 and laterallybeyond its electrode segment 236 or 234, e.g., again across the fulllateral extent of VC region 106.

The common feature of the preceding ways of configuring the electrodelayers is that the general CC control signal is applied betweenelectrode segments 234 and 236. Ignoring any dielectric or semiconductormaterial between core layer 222 and either electrode layer, electrodesegments 234 and 236 temporarily apply (a) a voltage equal to changedcontrol value V_(nfC) across essentially every chief thickness corelocation in core segment 232 and (b) a voltage of the same sign as, butof lesser magnitude than, changed value V_(nfC) across any subsidiarythickness core location in segment 232. If there is no subsidiarythickness location in segment 232, the control signal is simply appliedacross segment 232, again ignoring any dielectric or semiconductormaterial between core layer 222 and either electrode layer.

The characteristics of core layer 222 and the core-segment voltagedistribution resulting from changed value V_(nfC) are chosen so thatcore segment 232 responds to the general CC control signal, and thus tothe general impact effect from which the control signal is generated forthe impact meeting the basic TH impact criteria sometimes dependent onother impact criteria also being met, by undergoing internal change thatenables XTab light leaving AB segment 212 to consist of any XDab, XDfa,and XRsb light. Again, XDab light consists of any XRcl, XEcl, XRne, andXRfe light while XDfa light consists of any XRfa and XEfa light. NAlayer 204 is sufficiently transmissive of XTab light that XTcc lightformed with XTab light and any XRna light temporarily leaves CC segment194. Similarly, IS component 182 is sufficiently transmissive of XTcclight that X light formed with XTcc light and any ARis light temporarilyleaves IDVC portion 138.

NA layer 204 can include a programmable reflection-adjusting layer (notseparately shown), typically separated from assembly 202 by insulatingmaterial, for being electrically programmed subsequent to manufacture ofOI structure 200 for adjusting colors A and X. “RA” hereafter meansreflection-adjusting. The RA layer is preferably clear transparent priorto programming. The programming causes the RA layer to become tintedtransparent or more tinted transparent if it originally was tintedtransparent. ARna light is thereby adjusted. XRna light is alsoadjusted, typically in a way corresponding to the ARna adjustment. As aresult, colors A and X are adjusted respectively from an initialprincipal color A_(i) and an initial changed color X_(i) prior toprogramming to a final principal color A_(f) and a final changed colorX_(f) subsequent to programming.

The programming of the RA layer can be variously done. In oneprogramming technique, a temporary blanket conductive programming layeris deployed on SF zone 112 prior to programming. In another programmingtechnique, OI structure 200 includes a permanent blanket conductiveprogramming layer, typically constituted with part of NA layer 204,lying between zone 112 and the RA layer. In both techniques, aprogramming voltage is applied between the programming layer and NEstructure 224 sufficiently long to cause the RA layer to change to adesired tinted transparency. The programming layer, if a temporary one,is usually removed from zone 112. The tinting adjustment can be causedby introduction of RA ions into the RA layer. If the NE layer ispatterned, the RA material to the sides of the patterned NE layerusually undergoes the same tinting adjustment as the RA material betweenthe programming layer and the NE layer.

Alternatively, core layer 222 can include a programmable RA layer lyingalong NE structure 224 and having the preceding transparencycharacteristics. The core RA layer is programmed to a desired tintedtransparency by applying a programming voltage between the NE and FElayers for a suitable time period. Introduction of RA ions into the coreRA layer can cause the tinting adjustment. If the NE or FE layer ispatterned, the RA material to the sides of the patterned NE or FE layerusually undergoes the same tinting adjustment as the RA material betweenthe NE and FE layers. The magnitude of the programming voltage isusually much greater than the magnitudes of control values V_(nfN) andV_(nfC). Regardless of whether the RA layer is located in NA layer 204or structure 224, the programming voltage can be a selected one ofplural different programming values for causing final principal colorA_(f) to be a corresponding one of like plural different specific finalprincipal colors and for causing final changed color X_(f) to be acorresponding one of like plural different specific final changedcolors.

The NE layer transmits at least 40% of incident light across at leastpart of the visible spectrum and consists of conductive material or/andresistive material whose resistivity is, for example, 10-100 ohm-cm at300° K. This conductive or/and resistive material is termed transparentconductive material since the resistivity of the resistive material,when present, is close to the upper limit, 10 ohm-cm at 300° K, of theresistivity for conductive material. “TCM” hereafter means transparentconductive material. The FE layer is similarly formed with TCM ifvisible light is intended to pass fully through one or more thicknesslocations of core layer 222 at certain times.

In situations where a thin layer of a TCM transmits at least 40% ofincident light across part, but not all, of the visible spectrum, theselection of colors of light to be transmitted by the thin layer islimited to the part of the visible spectrum across which the layertransmits at least 40% of incident light. The part of the visiblespectrum across which a thin layer of a TCM transmits at least 40% ofincident light may be single portion continuous in wavelength or aplurality of portions separated by portions in which the thin layertransmits less than 40% of incident light. The transmissivity ofincident visible light of a thin layer of the TCM across part,preferably all, of the visible spectrum is usually at least 50%,preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 80%, even morepreferably at least 90%, yet further preferably at least 95%.

The thicknesses of a TCM layer meeting the preceding transmissivitycriteria is typically 0.1-0.2 μm but can be more or less. The layerthickness can generally be controlled. However, the layer thickness issometimes determined by the characteristics of the TCM. For instance,the thickness of graphene when used as the TCM is largely the diameterof a carbon atom because graphene consists of a single layer ofhexagonally arranged carbon atoms. The transmissivity normally increaseswith increasing resistivity and vice versa. In particular, decreasingthe TCM layer thickness (when controllable) typically causes thetransmissivity and resistivity of the TCM layer to increase and viceversa.

The transmissivity and resistivity of a TCM layer often depend on how itis fabricated. All of the materials identified below as TCM candidatesmeet the preceding TCM transmissivity and resistivity criteria for atleast one set of TCM manufacturing conditions. If the transmissivity istoo low, the transmissivity can generally be increased at the cost ofincreasing the resistivity by appropriately adjusting the manufacturingconditions or/and reducing the TCM layer thickness (when controllable).If the resistivity is too high, the resistivity can generally be reducedat the cost of reducing the transmissivity by appropriately adjustingthe manufacturing conditions or/and increasing the TCM layer thickness(when controllable).

Many TCM candidates are transparent conductive oxides generallyclassified as (i) n-type meaning that majority conduction is byelectrons or (ii) p-type meaning that majority conduction is by holes.TCO hereafter means transparent conductive oxide. N-type TCOs aregenerally much more conductive than p-type TCOs. In particular, theresistivities of n-type TCOs are often several factors of 10 below 1ohm-cm at 300° K whereas the resistivities of p-type TCOs are commonly1-10 ohm-cm at 300° K.

TCOs include undoped (essentially pure) metallic oxides and dopedmetallic oxides. In using a dopant metal to convert an undoped TCOcontaining one or more primary metals into a doped TCO, a dopant metalatom may replace a primary metal atom. Alternatively or additionally, adopant metal atom may be added to the undoped TCO. The molar amount ofdopant metal in a doped TCO is usually considerably less than the molaramount of primary metal in the TCO. If the molar amount of “dopant”metal approaches the molar amount of primary metal, the TCO is oftendescribed below as a mixture of oxides of the constituent metals. Insome situations, a TCM candidate containing multiple metals isidentified below both as a doped TCO and as a mixture of oxides of themetals.

Stoichiometric chemical names and/or stoichiometric chemical formulasare generally used below to identify TCM candidates. However, many TCMcandidates, especially undoped TCOs, are insulators or semiconductors intheir pure stoichiometric formulations. Conductivity sufficiently highfor those materials to be TCMs arises from defects in the materialsor/and TCM formulations that are somewhat non-stoichiometric. N-type(electron) conductivity sufficiently high to enable an undoped TCO to bean n-type TCM commonly arises when the molar amount of oxygen in the TCOis somewhat below the stoichiometric oxygen amount (oxygen vacancy) or,equivalently, the molar amount of metal in the TCO is somewhat above thestoichiometric metal amount. Similarly, p-type (hole) conductivitysufficiently high to enable an undoped TCO to be a p-type TCM commonlyarises when the molar amount of oxygen in the TCO is somewhat above thestoichiometric oxygen amount (oxygen excess) or, equivalently, the molaramount of metal in the TCO is somewhat below the stoichiometric metalamount.

In light of the preceding chemical considerations, identifications ofTCM candidates by their stoichiometric chemical names and/orstoichiometric chemical formulas here implicitly include formulationsthat are somewhat non-stoichiometric. More particularly, identificationof an undoped n-type TCO by its stoichiometric chemical name or/and itsstoichiometric chemical formula includes formulations in which the molaramount of oxygen in the TCO is somewhat below the stoichiometric amount.The same applies to a TCO in which the molar amount of oxygen in the TCOis somewhat below the stoichiometric oxygen amount and in which the TCOincludes dopant such that the TCO still conducts n-type. Identificationof a p-type TCO, doped or undoped, by its stoichiometric chemical nameor/and its stoichiometric chemical formula similarly includesformulations in which the molar amount of oxygen in the TCO is somewhatabove the stoichiometric amount.

Situations arise in which the molar amount of oxygen in a TCO issomewhat below the stoichiometric amount and in which the TCO includesdopant at a sufficiently high content that the TCO conducts p-typeinstead of n-type. Identification of such a p-type doped TCO by itsstoichiometric chemical name or/and its stoichiometric chemical formula,includes formulations in which the molar amount of oxygen in the TCO issomewhat below the stoichiometric amount. Situations can also arise inwhich the molar amount of oxygen in a TCO is somewhat above thestoichiometric amount and in which the TCO includes dopant at asufficiently high content that the TCO conducts n-type instead ofp-type. Identification of such an n-type doped TCO by its stoichiometricchemical name or/and its stoichiometric chemical formula includesformulations in which the molar amount of oxygen in the TCO is somewhatabove the stoichiometric amount.

The following conventions are employed in presenting TCM candidates.Alternative chemical names for some TCM candidates are presented inbrackets after their IUPAC names. The name of a TCM candidate consistingessentially of a mixture of two or more compounds is presented as thenames of the compounds with a dash separating the names of each pair ofconstituent compounds. The name of a TCM candidate containing dopant ispresented as the name of the undoped compound followed by a colon andthe name of the dopant. When the dopant consists of two or moredifferent materials, a dash separates each pair of dopants. Many TCMcandidates are placed in sets having certain characteristics in common.In some situations, a TCM candidate has the characteristics for multipleTCM sets. The TCM candidate then generally appears in each appropriateTCM set.

The formula for a TCM candidate consisting of an indefinite number ofrepeating units is generally given as the repeating unit followed by thesubscript “n”, e.g., C_(n) for a carbon TCM. When a TCM candidatecontains two or more constituents each formed with an indefinite numberof repeating units, each constituent's portion of the formula isgenerally given as that constituent's repeating unit followed by asubscript consisting of “n” and a sequentially increasing numberbeginning with “1”, e.g. C_(n1)—(C₆H₄O₂S)_(n2) forgraphene-poly(3,4-ethyldioxythiophene).

Preferred TCM candidates are graphene-containing materials because theygenerally provide high transmissivity in the visible spectrum,relatively high conductivity, high shock resistance, and high mechanicalstrength. In addition to graphene C_(n) itself, graphene-containing TCMcandidates include bilayer graphene C_(n), few-layer graphene C_(n),graphene foam C_(n), graphene-graphite C_(n1)—C_(n2), graphene-carbonnanotubes C_(n1)—C_(n2), few-layer graphene-carbon nanotubesC_(n1)—C_(n2), graphene-gold C_(n)—Au, few-layer graphene-gold C_(n)—Au,few-layer graphene-iron trichloride C_(n)—FeCl₃, graphene-diindiumtrioxide [graphene-indium oxide] C_(n)—In₂O₃,graphene-poly(3,4-ethyldioxythiophene) C_(n1)—(C₆H₄O₂S)_(n2),graphene-silver nanowires C_(n)—Ag, and dopant-containing materialsboron-doped graphene C_(n):B (p-type), gold trichloride-doped grapheneC_(n):AuCl₃, gold-doped graphene C_(n):Au, gold-doped few-layer grapheneC_(n):Au, graphene-doped silicon dioxide SiO₂:C_(n), nitric acid-dopedgraphene C_(n):HNO₃ (p-type), nitrogen-doped graphene C_(n):N (n-type),tetracyanoquinodimethane-doped graphene C_(n):(NC)₂CC₆H₄C(CN)₂ (p-type),graphene-doped carbon nanotubes C_(n1):C_(n2), and graphene-dopedpoly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate)(C₆H₄O₂S)_(n1)—(C₈H₈O₃S)_(n2):C_(n).

Highly desirable TCM candidates are carbon-nanotube-containing materialsbecause they generally provide high transmissivity in the visiblespectrum, relatively high conductivity, high shock resistance, and highmechanical strength. In addition to carbon nanotubes C_(n) itself,carbon-nanotube-containing TCM candidates include carbon nanotubes-goldC_(n)—Au and nitric acid-thionyl chloride-doped carbon nanotubesC_(n):HNO₃—SOCl₂ (p-type) plus graphene-carbon nanotubes, few-layergraphene-carbon nanotubes, and graphene-doped carbon nanotubes also inthe graphene-containing TCM candidates.

Certain organic materials, including materials formed with both organicand non-organic constituents, can serve as the TCM. Although organic TCMcandidates generally have considerably higher resistivities thangraphene and carbon nanotubes, some transparent organic materialsprovide relatively high shock resistance and relatively high mechanicalstrength. Organic TCM candidates of this type includepoly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (C₆H₄O₂S)_(n) termed PEDOT,poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate)(C₆H₄O₂S)_(n1)—(C₈H₈O₃S)_(n2) termed PEDOT-PSS, and methanol-dopedpoly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate)(C₆H₄O₂S)_(n1)—(C₈H₈O₃S)_(n2):CH₃OH, i.e., methanol-doped PEDOT-PSS,plus graphene-poly(3,4-ethyldioxythiophene), graphene-dopedpoly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate), andtetracyanoquinodimethane-doped graphene also in the graphene-containingTCM candidates. Each organic TCM candidate is a polymer or apolymer-containing material.

The preceding graphene-containing, carbon-nanotube-containing, andorganic TCM candidates constitute sets of a larger set ofcarbon-containing TCM candidates. Subject to excluding graphene-diindiumtrioxide, nitric acid-thionyl chloride-doped carbon nanotubes,graphene-doped silicon dioxide, and nitric acid-doped graphene becausethey all contain oxides, the set of carbon-containing TCM candidates arepart of an even larger set of transparent non-oxide TCM candidates thatincludes a set of halide-containing TCM candidates, a set of metalsulfide-containing TCM candidates, a set of metal nitride-containing TCMcandidates, and a set of metal nanowire-containing TCM candidates. Inaddition to few-layer graphene-iron trichloride and goldtrichloride-doped graphene also in the carbon-containing TCM candidates,halide-containing non-oxide TCM candidates include p-typecopper-containing halides barium copper selenium fluoride BaCuSeF,barium copper tellurium fluoride BaCuTeF, and copper iodide CuI.

Metal sulfide-containing non-oxide TCM candidates include bariumdicopper disulfide BaCu₂S₂ (p-type), copper aluminum disulfide CuAlS₂(p-type), and dopant-containing materials aluminum-doped zinc sulfideZnS:Al and zinc-doped copper aluminum disulfide CuAlS₂:Zn (p-type).Metal nitride-containing non-oxide TCM candidates include galliumnitride GaN and titanium nitride TiN. Metal nanowire-containingnon-oxide TCM candidates include copper nanowires Cu, gold nanowires Au,and silver nanowires Ag plus graphene-silver nanowires also in thegraphene-containing TCM candidates.

Undoped n-type TCO candidates for the TCM include cadmium oxide CdO,cadmium oxide-diindium trioxide [cadmium-indium oxide] CdO—In₂O₃,cadmium oxide-diindium trioxide-tin dioxide [cadmium-indium-tin oxide]CdO—In₂O₃—SnO₂ [Cd—In—Sn—O], cadmium oxide-tin dioxide [cadmium-tinoxide] CdO—SnO₂ [Cd—Sn—O], cadmium tin trioxide CdSnO₃, dicobalttrioxide-nickel oxide [cobalt-nickel oxide] Co₂O₃—NiO, digalliumtrioxide [gallium oxide] Ga₂O₃, digallium trioxide-tin dioxide[gallium-tin oxide] Ga₂O₃—SnO₂, diindium trioxide [indium oxide] In₂O₃,diindium trioxide-digallium trioxide [indium gallium oxide] In₂O₃—Ga₂O₃,diindium trioxide-tin dioxide [indium-tin oxide] In₂O₃—SnO₂, ditantalumoxide Ta₂O, dizinc diindium pentoxide Zn₂In₂O₅, dodecacalciumdecaluminum tetrasilicon pentatricontoxide Ca₁₂Al₁₀Si₄O₃₅, digalliumtrioxide-diindium trioxide-tin dioxide (gallium-indium-tin oxide]Ga₂O₃—In₂O₃—SnO₂ [Ga—In—Sn—O], digallium trioxide-diindium trioxide-zincoxide [gallium-indium-zinc oxide] Ga₂O₃—In₂O₃—ZnO [Ga—In—Zn—O],germanium dioxide-zinc oxide-diindium trioxide [germanium-zinc-indiumoxide] GeO₂—ZnO—In₂O₃ [Ge—Zn—In—O], indium gallium trioxide InGaO₃,iridium dioxide IrO₂, lead dioxide PbO₂, magnesium indium galliumtetroxide MgInGaO₄, ruthenium dioxide RuO₂, strontium germanium trioxideSrGeO₃, tetrazinc diindium heptoxide Zn₄In₂O₇, tetrindium tritindodecaoxide In₄Sn₃O₁₂, tin dioxide SnO₂, tricadmium tellurium hexoxideCd₃TeO₆, trizinc diindium hexoxide Zn₃In₂O₆, zinc indium aluminumtetroxide ZnInAlO₄, zinc indium gallium tetroxide ZnInGaO₄, zinc oxideZnO, zinc oxide-diindium trioxide [zinc-indium oxide] ZnO—In₂O₃[Zn—In—O], zinc oxide-indium gallium trioxide ZnO—InGaO₃, zincoxide-diindium trioxide-tin dioxide [zinc-indium-tin oxide]ZnO—In₂O₃—SnO₂ [Zn—In—Sn—O], zinc oxide-magnesium oxide [zinc-magnesiumoxide] ZnO—MgO [Zn—Mg—O], and zinc tin trioxide ZnSnO₃. Undoped n-typeTCO TCM candidates further include spinel-structured materials cadmiumdigallium tetroxide CdGa₂O₄, cadmium diindium tetroxide CdIn₂O₄,dicadmium tin tetroxide Cd₂SnO₄, dizinc tin tetroxide Zn₂SnO₄, magnesiumdiindium tetroxide MgIn₂O₄, and zinc digallium tetroxide ZnGa₂O₄.

A first set of doped n-type TCO TCM candidates consists of zinc oxidesingly doped with certain elements including aluminum, arsenic, boron,cadmium, chlorine, cobalt, copper, fluorine, gallium, germanium,hafnium, hydrogen, indium, iron, lithium, manganese, molybdenum, nickel,niobium, nitrogen, phosphorus, scandium, silicon, silver, tantalum,terbium, tin, titanium, tungsten, vanadium, yttrium, and zirconium. Asecond set of doped n-type TCO TCM candidates consists of zinc oxidecodoped with two or more of the preceding elements. Specific n-typedopant combinations for zinc oxide include aluminum-boron,aluminum-fluorine, aluminum-nitrogen, boron-fluorine, gallium-aluminum,indium-aluminum, indium-fluorine, scandium-aluminum, silver-nitrogen,titanium-aluminum, tungsten-hydrogen, tungsten-indium,tungsten-manganese, yttrium-aluminum, and zirconium-aluminum.

A third set of doped n-type TCO TCM candidates consists of tin dioxidesingly doped with certain elements including aluminum, antimony,arsenic, boron, cadmium, chlorine, cobalt, copper, fluorine, gallium,indium, iron, lithium, manganese, molybdenum, niobium, silver, tantalum,tungsten, zinc, and zirconium. Most of the tin dioxide dopants are zincoxide dopants. A fourth set of doped n-type TCO TCM candidates consistsof tin dioxide codoped with two or more of the preceding elements andhafnium. Specific n-type dopant combinations for tin dioxide includehafnium-antimony and indium-gallium.

A fifth set of doped n-type TCO TCM candidates consists of diindiumtrioxide singly doped with certain elements including fluorine, gallium,germanium, hafnium, iodine, magnesium, molybdenum, niobium, tantalum,tin, titanium, tungsten, zinc, and zirconium. Most of the indium oxidedopants are zinc oxide dopants. A sixth set of doped n-type TCO TCMcandidates consists of diindium trioxide codoped with two or more of thepreceding elements and cadmium. Specific n-type dopant combinations fordiindium trioxide include cadmium-tin, magnesium-tin, and zinc-tin.

A seventh set of doped n-type TCO TCM candidates consists of cadmiumoxide singly doped with certain elements including aluminum, chromium,copper, fluorine, gadolinium, gallium, germanium, hydrogen, indium,iron, molybdenum, samarium, scandium, tin, titanium, yttrium, and zinc.Most of the cadmium oxide dopants are zinc oxide dopants. An eighth setof doped n-type TCO TCM candidates consists of indium gallium trioxidesingly doped with certain elements including germanium and tin. A ninthset of doped n-type TCO TCM candidates consists of barium tin trioxideBaSnO₃ singly doped with certain elements including antimony andlanthanum. A tenth set of doped n-type TCO TCM candidates consists ofstrontium tin trioxide SrTiO₃ singly doped with certain elementsincluding antimony, lanthanum, and niobium. An eleventh set of dopedn-type TCO TCM candidates consists of titanium dioxide TiO₂ singly dopedwith certain elements including cobalt, niobium, and tantalum.

A twelfth set of doped n-type TCO TCM candidates consists of zincoxide-diindium trioxide singly doped with certain elements includingaluminum, gallium, germanium, and tin. A thirteenth set of doped n-typeTCO TCM candidates consists of zinc oxide-magnesium oxide singly dopedwith certain elements including aluminum, gallium, indium, and nitrogen.Further doped n-type TCO TCM candidates include antimony-doped strontiumtin trioxide SrSnO₃:Sb, bismuth-doped lead dioxide PbO₂:Bi,niobium-doped calcium titanium trioxide CaTiO₃:Nb, tin-doped iron copperdioxide FeCuO₂:Sn, yttrium-doped cadmium diantimony hexoxide CdSb₂O₆:Y,gadolinium-cerium-doped cadmium oxide CdO:Gd—Ce, neodymium-niobium-dopedstrontium titanium trioxide SrTiO₃:Nd—Nb, and hydrogen-dopedultraviolet-irradiated dodecacalcium heptaluminum tritricontoxideCa₁₂Al₇O₃₃:H-UV [12CaO.7Al₂O₃:H-UV].

Undoped p-type TCO candidates for the TCM include disilver oxide Ag₂O,iridium dioxide, lanthanum copper selenium oxide LaCuSeO, nickel oxideNiO, ruthenium dioxide, silver oxide AgO, tristrontium discandiumdicopper disulfur pentoxide [dicopper disulfide-tristrontium discandiumpentoxide] Sr₃Sc₂Cu₂S₂O₅ [Cu₂S₂—Sr₃Sc₂O₅], dicobalt trioxide-nickeloxide, digallium trioxide-tin dioxide, zinc oxide-beryllium oxideZnO—BeO, and zinc oxide-magnesium oxide, some of which are undopedn-type TCO TCM candidates.

Undoped p-type TCO TCM candidates include certain copper-containing andsilver-containing delafossite-structured materials having the generalformula MaMbO₃ where the valence of metal Ma is +1 and the valence ofmetal Mb is +3, Ma appearing after Mb when Ma is more electronegativethan Mb. The undoped copper-containing delafossite-structured materialsinclude chromium copper dioxide CrCuO₂, cobalt copper dioxide CoCuO₂,copper aluminum dioxide CuAlO₂, copper boron dioxide CuBO₂, coppergallium dioxide CuGaO₂, copper indium dioxide CuInO₂, iron copperdioxide FeCuO₂, scandium copper dioxide ScCuO₂, and yttrium copperdioxide YCuO₂. The undoped silver-containing delafossite-structuredmaterials include cobalt silver dioxide CoAgO₂, scandium silver dioxideScAgO₂, silver aluminum dioxide AgAlO₂, and silver gallium dioxideAgGaO₂.

Other undoped p-type TCO TCM candidates include certaincopper-containing dumbbell-octahedral-structured materials having thegeneral formula McCu₂O₂ where the valence of metal Mc is +2. The undopedcopper-containing dumbbell-octahedral-structured materials includebarium dicopper dioxide BaCu₂O₂, calcium dicopper dioxide CaCu₂O₂,magnesium dicopper dioxide MgCu₂O₂, and strontium dicopper dioxideSrCu₂O₂. Spinel-structured materials dicobalt nickel tetroxide Co₂NiO₄,dicobalt zinc tetroxide Co₂ZnO₄, diiridium zinc tetroxide Ir₂ZnO₄, anddirhenium zinc tetroxide Rh₂ZnO₄ are undoped p-type TCO TCM candidates.

A first set of doped p-type TCO TCM candidates consists of zinc oxidesingly doped with certain elements including antimony, arsenic, bismuth,carbon, cobalt, copper, indium, lithium, manganese, nitrogen,phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and silver. A second set of doped p-typeTCO TCM candidates consists of zinc oxide codoped with two or more ofthe preceding elements and aluminum, boron, copper, gallium, tantalum,and zirconium. Specific p-type dopant combinations for zinc oxideinclude aluminum-arsenic, copper-aluminum, and nitrogen-containingdopant combinations aluminum-nitrogen, boron-nitrogen, gallium-nitrogen,indium-nitrogen, lithium-nitrogen, silver-nitrogen, tantalum-nitrogen,and zirconium-nitrogen.

A third set of doped p-type TCO TCM candidates consists of tin dioxidesingly doped with certain elements including antimony, cobalt, gallium,indium, lithium, and zinc. A fourth set of doped p-type TCO TCMcandidates consists of diindium trioxide singly doped with certainelements including silver and zinc. A fifth set of doped p-type TCO TCMcandidates consists of nickel oxide singly doped with certain elementsincluding copper and lithium.

A sixth set of doped p-type TCO TCM candidates consists of zincoxide-magnesium oxide singly doped with certain elements includingnitrogen and potassium. Doped p-type TCO TCM candidates additionallyinclude aluminum-nitrogen-doped zinc oxide-magnesium oxide ZnO—MgO:Al—N,indium-doped molybdenum trioxide MoO₃:In, indium-gallium-doped tindioxide SnO₂:In—Ga, magnesium-doped lanthanum copper selenium oxideLaCuSeO:Mg, magnesium-nitrogen-doped dichromium trioxide[magnesium-nitrogen-doped chromium oxide] Cr₂O₃:Mg—N, silver-dopeddicopper oxide Cu₂O:Ag, and tin-doped diantimony tetroxide Sb₂O₄:Sn.Some of the doped p-type TCO TCM candidates are doped n-type TCO TCMcandidates.

Doped p-type TCO TCM candidates further include certaincopper-containing delafossite-structured materials having the generalformula CuMbO₂:Md where the valence of metal Mb is +3, Cu appearingafter Mb when Cu is more electronegative than Mb, and Md is a dopant,usually a metal. Doped copper-containing delafossite-structuredmaterials include calcium-doped copper indium dioxide CuInO₂:Ca,calcium-doped yttrium copper dioxide YCuO₂:Ca, iron-doped copper galliumdioxide CuGaO₂:Fe, magnesium-doped chromium copper dioxide CrCuO₂:Mg,magnesium-doped copper aluminum dioxide CuAlO₂:Mg, magnesium-doped ironcopper dioxide FeCuO₂:Mg, magnesium-doped scandium copper dioxideScCuO₂:Mg, oxygen-doped scandium copper dioxide ScCuO₂:O, andtin-antimony-doped nickel copper dioxide NiCuO₂:Sn—Sb. Other dopedp-type TCO TCM candidates include certain copper-containingdumbbell-octahedral-structured materials McCu₂O₂ where the valence ofmetal Mc is +2. Doped copper-containing dumbbell-octahedral-structuredmaterials include barium-doped strontium dicopper dioxide SrCu₂O₂:Ba,calcium-doped strontium dicopper dioxide SrCu₂O₂:Ca, and potassium-dopedstrontium dicopper dioxide SrCu₂O₂:K.

Reflection-Based Embodiments of Color-Change Component with ElectrodeAssembly

CC component 184 in OI structure 200 can be embodied in various ways.Four general embodiments of component 184 are based on changes in lightreflection including light scattering. These four embodiments are termedthe mid-reflection, mixed-reflection RT, mixed-reflection RN, anddeep-reflection embodiments. None of these embodiments usually employssignificant light emission.

The following preliminary specifications apply to the four embodiments.Substructure-reflected ARsb or XRsb light is absent. IS segment 192reflects ARis light during the changed state if IS component 182reflects ARis light during the normal state. XRna and XRne lightrespectively reflected by NA segment 214 and NE segment 234 during thechanged state are respectively the same as ARna and ARne lightrespectively reflected by NA layer 204 and NE structure 224 during thenormal state. For an embodiment variation in which XRna light differssignificantly from ARna light and/or XRne light differs significantlyfrom ARne light, XRna and/or XRne light are to be respectivelysubstituted for ARna and/or ARne light in the following materialdescribing the changed-state operation. Some reflected light invariablyleaves VC region 106 during the normal state and IDVC portion 138 duringthe changed state.

The mid-reflection embodiment utilizes normal ARab light reflection andtemporary XRab light reflection or, more specifically, normalARne/ARcl/ARfe light reflection and temporary ARne/XRcl/XRfe lightreflection respectively due mostly to ARcl/ARfe light reflection andXRcl/XRfe light reflection. FA layer 206, if present, is usually notinvolved in color changing in the mid-reflection embodiment. There islargely no ARfa or XRfa light, and thus largely no total ATfa or XTfalight, here.

During the normal state, the mid-reflection embodiment operates asfollows. Core layer 222 normally reflects ARcl light or/and FE structure226 normally reflects ARfe light that passes through layer 222. ARcl orARfe light, usually ARcl light, is a majority component of A light.Total ATcl light consists mostly, usually nearly entirely, of normallyreflected ARcl light and any normally reflected ARfe light passingthrough layer 222, typically mostly ARcl light, and is a majoritycomponent of A light. Total ATab light consists mostly, usually nearlyentirely, of ARab light formed with ARcl light passing through NEstructure 224, any ARne light reflected by it, and any ARfe lightpassing through it, likewise typically mostly ARcl light, and is also amajority component of A light.

Total ATcc light consists mostly, usually nearly entirely, of ARcl lightpassing through NA layer 204, any ARna light reflected by it, and anyARne and ARfe light passing through it, again typically mostly ARcllight. Including any ARis light reflected by IS component 182, A lightis formed with ARcl light and any ARis, ARna, ARne, and ARfe lightnormally leaving component 182 and thus VC region 106.

During the changed state, core segment 232 responds to the general CCcontrol signal applied between at least oppositely situated parts ofelectrode segments 234 and 236 by temporarily reflecting XRcl lightor/and allowing XRfe light temporarily reflected by FE segment 236 topass through core segment 232. XRcl or XRfe light, usually XRcl light,is a majority component of X light. Total XTcl light consists mostly,usually nearly entirely, of temporarily reflected XRcl light and anytemporarily reflected XRfe light passing through segment 232, typicallymostly XRcl light, and is a majority component of X light. Total XTablight consists mostly, usually nearly entirely, of XRab light formedwith XRcl light passing through NE segment 234, any ARne light reflectedby it, and any XRfe light passing through it, likewise typically mostlyXRcl light, and is also a majority component of X light.

Total XTcc light consists mostly, usually nearly entirely, of XRcl lightpassing through NA segment 214, any ARna light reflected by it, and anyARne and XRfe light passing through it, again typically mostly XRcllight. Including any ARis light reflected by IS segment 192, X light isformed with XRcl light and any ARis, ARna, ARne, and XRfe lighttemporarily leaving segment 192 and thus IDVC portion 138.

Assembly 202 in the mid-reflection embodiment of CC component 184 may beembodied with one or more of the following light-processingarrangements: a dipolar suspension arrangement, an electrochromicarrangement, an electrofluidic arrangement, an electrophoreticarrangement (including an electroosmotic arrangement), an electrowettingarrangement, and a photonic crystal arrangement.

One implementation of the mid-reflection embodiment employs translation(movement) or/and rotation of a multiplicity (or set) of particlesdispersed, usually laterally uniformly, in a supporting medium in corelayer 222 for changing the reflection characteristics of core segment232. The particles, often titanium dioxide, are normally distributedor/and oriented in the medium so as to cause layer 222 to normallyreflect ARcl light such that total ATcl light formed with the ARcl lightand any FE-structure-reflected ARfe light passing through layer 222 isat least a majority component of A light. Segment 232 contains asubmultiplicity (or subset) of the particles. Responsive to the CCcontrol signal, the particles in segment 232 translate or/and rotate forenabling it to temporarily reflect XRcl light such that total XTcl lightformed with the XRcl light and any FE-segment-reflected XRfe lightpassing through segment 232 is at least a majority component of X light.ARcl and XRcl light are usually respective majority components of A andX light.

In one version of the particle translation or/and rotationimplementation, the particles are charged particles of largely one colorwhile the supporting medium is a fluid of largely another color. Thefluid is typically of a color ARclm quite close to normal reflected corecolor ARcl and having a majority component of wavelength suitable forcolor A. The fluid reflects ARclm light while absorbing or/andtransmitting, preferably absorbing, other light. The particles arelargely of a color XRclm quite close to temporary reflected core colorXRcl and having a majority component of wavelength suitable for color X.The particles thereby reflect XRclm light. Color XRclm, usually lighterthan color ARclm here, differs materially from color ARclm.

Setting control voltage V_(nf) at normal value V_(nfN) laterally alongcore layer 222 causes the particles to be averagely, i.e., on theaverage, remote from (materially spaced apart from) NE structure 224. Inparticular, the particles are normally dispersed throughout the fluid orsituated adjacent to (close to or adjoining) FE structure 226. Becausethe XRclm-colored particles are normally averagely remote from NEstructure 224 and because the ARclm-colored fluid absorbs or/andtransmits light other than ARclm light, the large majority of bothreflected ARcl light and total ATcl light, formed with ARcl light andany ARfe light, leaving layer 222 is provided by reflection of ARclmlight off the fluid. ATcl light leaving layer 222 is largely ARclmlight.

The particle charging and the V_(nfC) polarity are chosen such that theparticles in core segment 232 translate so as to be adjacent to NEsegment 234 when voltage V_(nf) along core segment 232 goes to changedvalue V_(nfC). The large majority of both reflected XRcl light and totalXTcl light, formed with XRcl light and any XRfe light, leaving segment232 is now provided by reflection of XRclm light off the particles insegment 232. XTcl light leaving segment 232 is largely XRclm light.Since color XRclm differs materially from color ARclm, temporaryreflected core color XRcl differs materially from normal reflected corecolor ARcl. The same result is achieved by reversing both the particlecharging and the V_(nfC) polarity.

The fluid can alternatively be of color XRclm. If so, the fluid reflectsXRclm light and absorbs or/and transmits, preferably absorbs, otherlight. The particles are of color ARclm usually now lighter than colorXRclm, and either the particle charging or the V_(nfC) polarity isreversed from that just described. The ARclm-colored particles arenormally adjacent to NE structure 224. The large majority of bothreflected ARcl light and total ATcl light is provided by reflection ofARclm light off the particles. ATcl light leaving core layer 222 isagain largely ARclm light.

Changing voltage V_(nf) in core segment 232 to value V_(nfC) causes theparticles in segment 232 to translate materially away from NE segment234 so as to be dispersed throughout the segment of the fluid in coresegment 232 or situated adjacent to FE segment 236. Because theparticles in core segment 232 are now averagely remote from NE segment234 and because the XRclm-colored fluid absorbs non-XRclm light, thelarge majority of both reflected XRcl light and total XTcl light isprovided by reflection of XRclm light off the fluid in core segment 232.XTcl light leaving segment 232 is again largely XRclm light. With colorXRclm differing materially from color ARclm, temporary reflected corecolor XRcl again differs materially from normal reflected core colorARcl. The same result is achieved by reversing both the particlecharging and the V_(nfC) polarity.

The particles in another version of the particle translation or/androtation implementation consist of two groups of particles of differentcolors. The supporting medium is a transparent fluid, typically aliquid. The particles in one group are typically largely of color ARclmwhile the particles in the other group are largely of color XRclm. Theparticles have characteristics which enable the ARclm-colored particlesto translate oppositely to the XRclm-colored particles in the presenceof an electric field. The particles can be charged so that theXRclm-colored particles are charged oppositely to the ARclm-coloredparticles. The charge on each XRclm-colored particle can be of the samemagnitude as, or a different magnitude than, the charge on eachARclm-colored particle.

The V_(nfN) polarity and particle characteristics, e.g., particlecharging, are chosen such that setting voltage V_(nf) at normal valueV_(nfN) laterally along core layer 222 causes the ARclm-coloredparticles to be adjacent to NE structure 224 while the XRclm-coloredparticles are averagely remote from structure 224. The large majority ofboth reflected ARcl light and total ATcl light is normally provided byreflection of ARclm light off the ARclm-colored particles. ATcl lightleaving layer 222 is largely ARclm light.

Changing voltage V_(nf) in core segment 232 to value V_(nfC) at apolarity opposite value V_(nfN) causes the XRclm-colored particles insegment 232 to translate so as to be adjacent to NE segment 234 whilethe ARclm-colored particles in core segment 232 translate so as to beaveragely remote from segment 234. The large majority of both reflectedXRcl light and total XTcl light is now provided by reflection of XRclmlight off the XRclm-colored particles in core segment 232. XTcl lightleaving segment 232 is largely XRclm light. Since color XRclm differsmaterially from color ARclm, temporary reflected core color XRcl differsmaterially from normal reflected core color ARcl.

The ARclm light reflected by the ARclm-colored particles can bespecularly reflected, scattered, or a combination of specularlyreflected and scattered. The same applies to the XRclm light reflectedby the XRclm-colored particles. The radiosity of the reflected ARclm orXRclm light can be very low such that color ARclm or XRclm is quitedark, sometimes nearly black. If so, the ARclm-colored or XRclm-coloredparticles absorb the large majority of incident light.

Different selections of particle coloring can be made in combinationwith altering other particle characteristics. In one example, theparticles in one group are of color ARclm while the particles in theother group are of a color F1Rc significantly different from colors ARcland XRcl. The F1Rc-colored particles reflect F1Rc light considerablydifferent from ARcl and XRcl light. The particles have characteristicsenabling the ARclm-colored particles to remain adjacent to NE structure224 in the presence of an electric field that changes polarity while theF1Rc-colored particles translate, to the extent possible, toward or awayfrom structure 224 depending on the field polarity. The F1Rc particlescan be charged while the ARclm-colored particles are largely unchargedbut have physical properties attracting them to structure 224.

The V_(nfN) polarity and particle characteristics are chosen such thatsetting voltage V_(nf) at normal value V_(nfN) laterally across corelayer 222 causes the ARclm-colored particles to be adjacent to NEstructure 224 while the F1Rc-colored particles are averagely remote fromstructure 224. The large majority of both reflected ARcl light and totalATcl light is provided by reflection of ARclm light off theARclm-colored particles. ATcl light leaving layer 222 is again largelyARclm light.

The V_(nfN) polarity and particle characteristics are chosen such thatsetting voltage V_(nf) at normal value V_(nfN) laterally across corelayer 222 causes the ARclm-colored particles to be adjacent to NEstructure 224 while the F1Rc-colored particles are averagely remote fromstructure 224. The large majority of both reflected ARcl light and totalATcl light is provided by reflection of ARclm light off theARclm-colored particles. ATcl light leaving layer 222 is again largelyARclm light.

In a complementary example, the particles in one group are of colorXRclm while the particles in the other group are of a color G1Rcsignificantly different from colors ARcl and XRcl. The G1Rc-coloredparticles reflect G1Rc light considerably different from ARcl and XRcllight. The particles have characteristics enabling the XRclm-coloredparticles to remain adjacent to NE structure 224 in the presence of anelectric field that changes polarity while the G1Rc-colored particlestranslate, to the extent possible, toward or away from structure 224depending on the field polarity. The G1Rc-colored particles can becharged while the XRclm-colored particles are largely uncharged but havephysical properties attracting them to structure 224.

The V_(nfN) polarity and particle characteristics are chosen such thatsetting voltage V_(nf) at normal value V_(nfN) laterally across corelayer 222 causes both the XRclm-colored and G1Rc-colored particles to beadjacent to NE structure 224. The large majority of both reflected ARcllight and total ATcl light is then normally provided by reflection ofG1Rc and XRclm light off both the G1Rc-colored and XRclm-coloredparticles. ATcl light leaving layer 222 consists of a G1Rc and XRclmlight. The ATcl combination of G1Rc and XRclm light is chosen to differmaterially from XRcl light and, in particular, to have a majoritycomponent suitable for color A.

Changing voltage V_(nf) in core segment 232 to value V_(nfC) of oppositepolarity to value V_(nfN) causes the G1Rc-colored particles to translatematerially away from NE segment 234 so as to be averagely remote fromsegment 234 while the XRclm-colored particles remain adjacent to segment234. The large majority of both reflected XRcl light and total XTcllight is provided by reflection of XRclm light off the XRclm-coloredparticles in core segment 232. XTcl light leaving segment 232 is againlargely XRclm light. Since the ARcl light combination of G1Rc and XRclmlight differs materially from XRcl light, temporary core color XRcldiffers materially from normal core color ARcl.

In a further version of the particle translation or/and rotationimplementation, the surface of each particle consists of two portions ofdifferent colors. The particles are optically and electricallyanisotropic. The optical anisotropicity is achieved by arranging for theouter surface of each particle to consist of one SF portion of colorARclm and another SF portion of color XRclm. The two SF portions areusually of approximately the same area. The particles can be generallyspherical with the two SF portions of each particle being hemisphericalsurfaces. The electrical anisotropicity is achieved by providing the twoSF portions of each particle with different zeta potentials. Eachparticle is usually a dipole with one SF portion negatively charged andthe other positively charged. The supporting medium is a solidtransparent sheet having cavities in which the particles arerespectively located. Each cavity is slightly larger than its particle.The part of each cavity outside its particle is filled with transparentdielectric fluid for enabling each particle to rotate freely in itscavity.

Voltage values V_(nfN) and V_(nfC) are chosen so that one is positiveand the other is negative. If value V_(nfN) is positive, theARclm-colored SF portions are negatively charged while the XRclm-coloredSF portions are positively charged. The opposite surface-portioncharging is used if value V_(nfN) is positive. Either way, settingvoltage V_(nf) at normal value V_(nfN) causes the particles to rotate sothat their ARclm-colored SF portions face NE structure 224. The largemajority of both reflected ARcl light and total ATcl light is providedby reflection of ARclm light off the ARclm-colored SF portions of theparticles. ATcl light leaving core layer 222 is largely ARclm light.

Applying the general CC control signal to core segment 232 so thatvoltage V_(nf) is at changed value V_(nfC) across segment 232 causes theparticles in it to rotate so that their XRcl-colored SF portions face NEsegment 234. The large majority of both reflected XRcl light and totalXTcl light is now provided by reflection of XRclm light off theXRcl-colored SF portions of the particles in core segment 232. XTcllight leaving segment 232 is largely XRclm light. With color XRclmdiffering materially from color ARclm, temporary core color XRcl differsmaterially from normal core color ARcl.

During the changed state in all three versions of the particletranslation or/and rotation implementation, the particles in theremainder of core layer 222 largely maintain the particle orientationsor/and average locations existent during the normal state. The largemajority of both reflected light and total light leaving the remainderof layer 222 consists of reflected ARclm light or, in the last-mentionedexample of the version using two groups of particles of differentcolors, a reflected combination of XRclm and G1Rc light identical tothat normally present and thereby forming ARcl light.

Another implementation of the mid-reflection embodiment of CC component184 entails changing the absorption characteristics of particlesdispersed, usually uniformly, in a supporting medium usually a fluidsuch as a liquid in which the particles are suspended. In one version,the particles normally absorb much, usually most, of the light strikingSF zone 112 so that ATcl light normally leaves layer 222. The particlesin core segment 232 respond to the general CC control signal byscattering much, usually most, of the light striking print area 118.This causes XTcl light, including XRcl light, to temporarily leavesegment 232. Alternatively, the particles in layer 222 normally scattermuch, usually most, of the light striking zone 112 so that ATcl light,including ARcl light, normally leaves layer 222. The particles insegment 232 respond to the control signal by absorbing much, usuallymost, of the light striking area 118 for causing XTcl light totemporarily leave segment 232.

The particles in core layer 222 in another version of theabsorption-characteristics-changing implementation are elongateddichroic particles normally at largely random orientations with largelyno electric field existing across layer 222. The particles in layer 222normally absorb much, usually most, of the light striking SF zone 112 sothat ATcl light normally leaves layer 222. Responsive to the general CCcontrol signal, the particles in core segment 232 align generally withan electric field produced across segment 232. Much, usually most, ofthe light striking print area 118 is transmitted through segment 232 forcausing XTcl light, including reflected XRfe light, to temporarily leavesegment 232. Alternatively, an electric field normally exists across allof layer 222. The particles in layer 222 align with the electric fieldfor enabling much, usually most, of the light striking zone 112 to betransmitted through layer 222 so that ATcl light, including reflectedARfe light, normally leaves layer 222. In response to the controlsignal, the particles in segment 232 become largely randomly orientedfor absorbing much, usually most, of the light striking area 118. XTcllight temporarily leaves segment 232.

Core layer 222 in a further implementation, an example being anelectrowetting or electrofluidic arrangement, of the mid-reflectionembodiment of CC component 184 employs a liquid whose shape is suitablymanipulated to change the layer's reflection characteristics. The liquidis in a first shape for causing layer 222 to reflect ARcl light suchthat ATcl light formed with the ARcl light and anyFE-structure-reflected ARfe light passing through layer 222 is amajority component of A light. Responsive to the general CC controlsignal, the liquid in core segment 232 temporarily changes to a secondshape materially different from the first shape in segment 232 forcausing it to reflect XRcl light such that total XTcl light formed withXRcl light and any FE-segment-reflected XRfe light passes throughsegment 232 and is a majority component of X light. Exemplary shapes forthe liquid are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,917,456 B2, 7,463,398 B2,and 7,508,566 B2, contents incorporated by reference herein. Three majorversions of the liquid shape-changing implementation entail arrangingfor (a) ARcl light to be a majority component of A light with XRcl lightbeing a majority component of X light, (b) ARcl light to be a majoritycomponent of A light with XRfe light being a majority component of Xlight, and (c) ARfe light to be a majority component of A light withXRcl light being a majority component of X light.

Turning to the two mixed-reflection embodiments of CC component 184,each mixed-reflection embodiment utilizes FA layer 206 for reflectinglight in achieving color changing. Light striking core layer 222 alongNE structure 224 passes through layer 222 to FE structure 226 atselected thickness locations along layer 222 at certain times and isblocked, i.e., reflected or/and absorbed, by layer 222 at other times.Light passing through selected thickness locations of layer 222 thenpasses through corresponding thickness locations of structure 226 andundergoes substantial reflection at corresponding thickness locations ofFA layer 206. Resultant reflected light passes back through structure226 and core layer 222. Assembly 202 functions as a light valve. Thedifference between the mixed-reflection embodiments is that FA layer 206reflects light only during the changed state in the mixed-reflection RTembodiment and only in the normal state in the mixed-reflection RNembodiment.

The mixed-reflection RT embodiment employs normal ARab light reflectionand temporary XRab/XRfa light reflection or, more specifically, normalARne/ARcl/ARfe light reflection and temporary ARne/XRcl/XRfe/XRfa lightreflection respectively due mostly to ARcl/ARfe light reflection andXRfa light reflection. During the normal state, the mixed-reflection RTembodiment operates the same as the mid-reflection embodiment.

Core segment 232 in the mixed-reflection RT embodiment responds to thegeneral CC control signal applied between at least oppositely situatedparts of electrode segments 234 and 236 during the changed state byallowing a substantial part of light striking print area 118 and passingthrough IS segment 192, NA segment 214, and NE segment 234 totemporarily pass through core segment 232 such that a substantial partof that light passes through FE segment 236. FA segment 216 temporarilyreflects XRfa light, a majority component of X light. Total XTfa lightconsists mostly, preferably only, of temporarily reflected XRfa light.

A substantial part of the XRfa light passes through FE segment 236 and,as also allowed by core segment 232, passes through it. Total XTcl lightconsists of XRfa light passing through segment 232, any XRcl lightreflected by it, and any FE-segment-reflected XRfe light passing throughit, mostly reflected XRfa light. Total XTab light consists of XRfa lightpassing through NE segment 234 and any XRab light formed with any ARnelight reflected by segment 234 and any XRcl and XRfe light passingthrough it, likewise mostly XRfa light. Total XTcc light consists ofXRfa light passing through NA segment 214, any ARna light reflected byit, and any ARne, XRcl, and XRfe light passing through it, again mostlyXRfa light. Including any ARis light reflected by IS segment 192, Xlight is formed with XRfa light and any ARis, ARna, ARne, XRcl, and XRfelight temporarily leaving segment 192 and thus IDVC portion 138.

The mixed-reflection RN embodiment employs normal ARab/ARfa lightreflection and temporary XRab light reflection or, more specifically,normal ARne/ARcl/ARfe/ARfa light reflection and temporary ARne/XRcl/XRfelight reflection respectively due mostly to ARfa light reflection andXRcl/XRfe light reflection. During the normal state, core layer 222allows light striking SF zone 112 and passing through IS component 182,NA layer 204, and NE structure 224 to normally pass through core layer222 such that a substantial part of that light normally passes throughFE structure 226. FA layer 206 reflects ARfa light, a majority componentof A light. Total ATfa light consists mostly, preferably only, ofnormally reflected ARfa light.

A substantial part of the ARfa light passes through FE structure 226and, as also allowed by core layer 222, passes through it. Total ATcllight consists of ARfa light passing through layer 222, any ARcl lightreflected by it, and any FE-structure-reflected ARfe light passingthrough it, mostly reflected ARfa light. Total ATab light consists ofARfa light passing through NE structure 224 and any ARab light formedwith any ARne light reflected by structure 224 and any ARcl and ARfelight passing through it, likewise mostly ARfa light. Total ATcc lightconsists of ARfa light passing through NA layer 204, any ARna lightreflected by it, and any ARne, ARcl, and ARfe light passing through it,again mostly ARfa light. Including any ARis light reflected by IScomponent 182, A light is formed with ARfa light and any ARis, ARna,ARne, ARcl, and ARfe light normally leaving component 182 and thus VCregion 106.

Core segment 232 in the mixed-reflection RN embodiment responds to thegeneral CC control signal the same as in the mid-reflection embodiment.Accordingly, the mixed-reflection RN embodiment operates the same in thechanged state as the mid-reflection embodiment.

In one version of each mixed-reflection embodiment of CC component 184,core layer 222 contains core particles distributed laterally across thelayer's extent and switchable between light-transmissive andlight-blocking states. NA layer 204 may be present or absent. FA layer206 contains a light reflector extending along, and generally parallelto, FE structure 226. The light reflector may be a specular(mirror-like) reflector or a diffuse reflector that reflectivelyscatters light.

The core particles are usually dimensionally anisotropic, each particletypically shaped generally like a rod or a sheet. For a rod-shaped coreparticle having (a) a maximum dimension, termed the long dimension, (b)a shorter dimension which reaches a maximum value, termed the firstshort dimension, in a plane perpendicular to the long dimension, and (c)another shorter dimension which extends perpendicular to the other twodimensions and which reaches a maximum value, termed the second shortdimension, no greater than the first short dimension, the long dimensionis at least twice, preferably at least four times, more preferably atleast eight times, the first short dimension. For a sheet-shaped coreparticle having (a) a maximum dimension, termed the first longdimension, (b) another dimension which reaches a maximum value, termedthe second long dimension, no greater than the first long dimension in aplane perpendicular to the first long dimension, and (c) a shorterdimension which reaches a maximum value, termed the short dimension, andwhich extends perpendicular to the other two dimensions, the first longdimension is at least twice, preferably at least four times, morepreferably at least eight times, the short dimension.

The core particles in core layer 222 in the mixed-reflection RT versionare normally oriented largely randomly relative to electrode structures224 and 226. This enables the core particles in layer 222 to absorbor/and scatter light striking it along NE structure 224. Either way,light striking SF zone 112 and passing through IS component 182 and NAlayer 204 so as to strike core layer 222 along structure 224 is normallyblocked from passing through layer 222. Total ATcl light leaving layer222 consists of any ARcl light reflected by it and anyFE-structure-reflected ARfe light passing through it.

Applying the general CC control signal to AB segment 212 in themixed-reflection RT version causes the core particles in core segment232 to orient themselves generally perpendicular to electrode segments234 and 236. In particular, the long dimension of a rod-shaped coreparticle extends generally perpendicular to segments 234 and 236 whileone of the long dimensions of a sheet-shaped core particle extendsgenerally perpendicular to segments 234 and 236 so that the generalplane of the sheet-shaped particle is perpendicular to segments 234 and236. This orientation enables light striking print area 118 and passingthrough IS segment 192 and NA segment 214 so as to strike core segment232 along NE segment 234 to be temporarily transmitted through coresegment 232 and reflected by the segment of the light reflector in FAsegment 216. The temporarily reflected XRfa light passes in substantialpart back through core segment 232. Total XTcl light leaving segment 232consists of XRfa light passing through it, any XRcl light reflected byit, and any FE-segment-reflected XRfe light passing through it.

Essentially the reverse occurs in the mixed-reflection RN version. Thecore particles present in core layer 222 are normally oriented generallyperpendicular to electrode structures 224 and 226. Specifically, thelong dimension of a rod-shaped core particle extends generallyperpendicular to structures 224 and 226 while one of the long dimensionsof a sheet-shaped core particle extends generally perpendicular tostructures 224 and 226 so that the general plane of the sheet-shapedparticle is perpendicular to structures 224 and 226. Light striking SFzone 112 and passing through IS component 182 and NA layer 204 so as tostrike core layer 222 along NE structure 224 is transmitted throughlayer 222 and reflected by the light reflector. The normally reflectedARfa light passes in substantial part back through layer 222. Total ATcllight leaving layer 222 consists of ARfa light passing through it, anyARcl light reflected by it, and any FE-structure-reflected ARfe lightpassing through it.

Applying the general CC control signal to AB segment 212 in themixed-reflection RN version causes the core particles in core segment232 to become randomly oriented relative to electrode segments 234 and236. Light striking print area 118 and passing through IS segment 192and NA segment 214 so as to strike core segment 232 along NE segment 234is largely scattered or/and absorbed by the core particles in coresegment 232 and is thereby blocked from passing through segment 232.Total XTcl light leaving segment 232 consists of any XRcl lightreflected by it and any FE-segment-reflected XRfe light passing throughit.

Core layer 222 consists of liquid-crystal material formed with elongatedliquid-crystal molecules that constitute the core particles in anotherversion of the mixed-reflection RT or RN embodiment of CC component 184where it is a reflective liquid-crystal arrangement, usuallypolarizer-free. “LC” hereafter means liquid-crystal. The LC molecules,which switch between light-transmissive and light-scattering states, canemploy various LC phases such as nematic, smectic, and chiral. The LCmaterial typically has no pre-established twist. For this purpose, thesurfaces of electrode structures 224 and 226 along layer 222 arepreferably flat rather than grooved.

The reflected XRfa or ARfa light in each LC version of themixed-reflection RT or RN embodiment usually appears along NE structure224 as a dark color but, depending on the constituency of core layer222, can appear along structure 224 as a light color. The dark color canbe largely black. The scattered ARcl or XRcl light usually appears alongNE structure 224 as a light color but, likewise depending on theconstituency of layer 222, can appear along structure 224 as a darkcolor. The light color can be white or largely white.

In a further version of the mixed-reflection RT or RN embodiment of CCcomponent 184, core layer 222 is formed with a fluid, typically aliquid, in which dipolar particles constituting the core particles arecolloidally suspended. The dipolar particles, usually dichroic, can beelongated rod-like particles or flat sheet-like particles. Each dipoleparticle has a positively charged end and a negatively charged end.Voltage V_(nf) across opposite segments of electrode structures 224 and226 is usually largely zero when the intervening dipole particles arerandomly oriented so as to scatter or/and absorb light striking them.Adjusting voltage V_(nf) across opposite segments of structures 224 and226 to a non-zero value causes the intervening dipole particles to aligngenerally perpendicular to those two electrode segments with thepositively charged end of each intervening dipolar particle closest tothe more negative one of the electrode segments and vice versa.

Various color combinations are available with the dipolar-particlesuspension. Subject to a dark color being produced along NE structure224 if the dipolar particles in core layer 222 or core segment 232absorb incident light due to being randomly oriented relative toelectrode structures 224 and 226, the scattered ARcl or XRcl light ineach mixed-reflection version can appear along NE structure 224 as alight color, or as a dark color, if the dipolar particles across layer222 or in segment 232 scatter incident light due to being randomlyoriented relative to structures 224 and 226. The reflected XRfa or ARfalight correspondingly appears along NE structure 224 as a dark color, oras a light color, depending on the characteristics of the lightreflector.

The deep-reflection embodiment of CC component 184 employs normalARab/ARfa light reflection and temporary XRab/XRfa light reflection or,more specifically, normal ARne/ARcl/ARfe/ARfa light reflection andtemporary ARne/XRcl/XRfe/XRfa light reflection respectively due mostlyto ARfa light reflection and XRfa light reflection. Light striking SFzone 112 passes through IS component 182, NA layer 204, NE structure224, core layer 222, and FE structure 226, is reflected by FA layer 206,and then passes back through subcomponents 226, 222, 224, and 182. Corelayer 222 and auxiliary layers 204 and 206 usually impose certaintraits, e.g., wavelength-independent traits such as polarization traits,on the light. “WI” hereafter means wavelength-independent.

When WI traits are employed, the deep-reflection embodiment operates asfollows during the normal state. NA layer 204 typically imposes a WI NAincoming trait on light normally passing from IS component 182 throughlayer 204 so that the light has the NA incoming trait upon reaching corelayer 222, “NA” again meaning near auxiliary. Layer 222 imposes a WIprimary incoming trait on light normally passing from NE structure 224through layer 222 so that the light has the primary incoming trait uponreaching FA layer 206. The primary incoming trait usually differsmaterially from the NA incoming trait.

FA layer 206 normally reflects ARfa light, a majority component of Alight, so that total ATfa light consists mostly, preferably only, ofnormally reflected ARfa light. As an adjunct to reflecting ARfa light,layer 206 typically imposes a WI FA trait on ARfa light leaving layer206 along FE structure 226, “FA” again meaning far auxiliary. The FAtrait is usually applied to light just before and after reflection bylayer 206. The FA trait can be the same as, or significantly differentfrom, the NA incoming trait.

The ARfa light passes in substantial part through FE structure 226.Total ATfe light consists of ARfa light passing through structure 226and any ARfe light reflected by it, mostly ARfa light having the FAtrait. The ATfe light passes in substantial part through core layer 222and NE structure 224. In transmitting ATfe light, layer 222 imposes a WIprimary outgoing trait on ATfe light passing from FE structure 226through layer 222 so that the ATfe light has the primary outgoing traitupon reaching NA layer 204. The primary outgoing and incoming traits areusually the same. Total ATcl light consists of ARfa light passingthrough core layer 222, any ARcl light reflected by it, and any ARfelight passing through it, mostly ARfa light having the primary outgoingtrait. The ATcl light passes in substantial part through NE structure224. Total ATab light consists of ARfa light passing through structure224 and any ARab light formed with any ARne light reflected by structure224 and any ARcl and ARfe light passing through it, likewise mostly ARfalight.

The ATab light passes in substantial part through NA layer 204 and IScomponent 182. If the NA incoming trait is imposed on light passing fromcomponent 182 through layer 204, layer 204 usually imposes a WI NAoutgoing trait on ATab light passing from NE structure 224 through layer204 so that ATab light has the NA outgoing trait upon reaching component182. The NA outgoing and incoming traits are usually the same. TotalATcc light consists of ARfa light passing through layer 204, any ARnalight reflected by it, and any ARne, ARcl, and ARfe light passingthrough it, again mostly ARfa light. Including any ARis light normallyreflected by component 182, A light is formed with ARfa light and anyARis, ARna, ARne, ARcl, and ARfe light normally leaving component 182and thus VC region 106.

Core segment 232 in the deep-reflection embodiment responds to thegeneral CC control signal applied between at least oppositely situatedparts of electrode segments 234 and 236 by causing light passing from NEsegment 234 through core segment 232 to be temporarily of a WI changedincoming trait such that the light has the changed incoming trait uponreaching FA segment 216. More particularly, if NA layer 204 imposes theNA incoming trait on light normally passing from IS component 182through layer 204, NA segment 214 imposes the NA incoming trait on lightpassing from IS segment 192 through segment 214 so that the light hasthe NA incoming trait upon reaching core segment 232. Segment 232 thenimposes the changed incoming trait on light temporarily passing from NEsegment 234 through segment 232 so that the light has the changedincoming trait upon reaching FA segment 216. The changed incoming traitdiffers materially from the primary incoming trait.

FA segment 216 temporarily reflects XRfa light, a majority component ofX light, so that total XTfa light consists mostly, preferably only, oftemporarily reflected XRfa light. Although the primary and changedincoming traits are independent of wavelength, the material differencebetween them is chosen to cause color XRfa to differ materially fromcolor ARfa. More specifically, colors ARfa and XRfa usually have thesame wavelength characteristics but differ materially in radiosity so asto differ materially in lightness/darkness and therefore materially incolor. Core segment 232 and AB segment 212 function as a light valve inproducing the color difference. In the course of reflecting XRfa light,FA segment 216 imposes the FA trait on XRfa light leaving it along FEsegment 236 if FA layer 206 imposes the FA trait on ARfa light leavinglayer 206 along FE structure 226. The FA trait is usually applied tolight just before and after reflection by FA segment 216.

The XRfa light passes in substantial part through FE segment 236. TotalXTfe light consists of XRfa light passing through segment 236 and anyXRfe light reflected by it, mostly XRfa light having the FA trait. TheXTfe light passes in substantial part through core segment 232. Intransmitting XTfe light, segment 232 imposes a WI changed outgoing traiton XTfe light passing from FE segment 236 through segment 232 so thatthe XTfe light has the changed outgoing trait upon reaching NA segment214. The changed outgoing trait, usually the same as the changedincoming trait, differs materially from the primary incoming andoutgoing traits. Total XTcl light consists of XRfa light passing throughcore segment 232, any XRcl light reflected by it, and any XRfe lightpassing through it, mostly XRfa light now having the changed outgoingtrait. Any XRcl light is usually largely ARcl light. The XTcl lightpasses in substantial part through NA segment 214. Total XTab lightconsists of XRfa light passing through NE segment 234 and any XRab lightformed with any ARne light reflected by segment 234 and any XRcl andXRfe light passing through it, likewise mostly XRfa light.

The XTab light passes in substantial part through NA segment 214 and ISsegment 192. If NA segment 214 imposes the NA incoming trait on lightpassing from IS segment 192 through NA segment 214, segment 214 imposesthe NA outgoing trait on XTab light passing from NE segment 234 throughsegment 214 so that XTab light has the NA outgoing trait upon reachingIS segment 192. Including any ARna light reflected by NA segment 214,total XTcc light consists of XRfa light passing through segment 214, anyARna light reflected by it, and any ARne, XRcl, and XRfe light passingthrough it, again mostly XRfa light. Similarly including any ARis lightreflected by IS segment 192, X light is formed with XRfa light and anyARis, ARna, ARne, XRcl, and XRfe light leaving segment 192 and thus IDVCportion 138.

The deep-reflection embodiment of CC component 184 is typically areflective LC structure in which core layer 222 consists largely of LCmaterial such as nematic liquid crystal formed with elongated LCparticles. FA layer 206 contains a light reflector extending along, andgenerally parallel to, FE structure 226. The light reflector, specularor diffuse, is designed to reflect ARfa light during the normal statesuch that the segment of the light reflector in FA segment 216 reflectsXRfa light during the changed state. The reflector is a white-lightreflector if one of colors ARfa and XRfa is white. If neither is white,the reflector can be a color reflector or a white-light reflector and acolor filter lying between the white-light reflector and structure 226.

NA layer 204 usually contains a near (first) plane polarizer extendingalong, and generally parallel to, NE structure 224. If so, FA layer 206contains a far (second) plane polarizer extending along, and generallyparallel to, FE structure 226 so as to extend generally parallel to thenear polarizer. The far polarizer is located between structure 226 andthe light reflector.

Each polarizer has a polarization direction parallel to the plane ofthat polarizer. “PZ” hereafter means polarization. The PZ direction ofthe near polarizer is termed the p direction. The direction parallel tothe plane of the near polarizer and perpendicular to the p direction istermed the s direction. The PZ direction of the far polarizer istypically perpendicular to, or parallel to, the near polarizer's PZdirection but can be at a non-zero angle materially different from 90°to the PZ direction. In the following description of the operation ofthe reflective LC structure, the polarizers have perpendicular PZdirections so that the far polarizer's PZ direction is the s direction.

Relative to the near polarizer, incoming light striking NA layer 204consists of a p directional component and an s directional component.For each color A or X, the near polarizer transmits a high percentage,usually at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least90%, even more preferably at least 95%, of the p component and blocks,preferably absorbs, the s component. Light passing through the nearpolarizer so as to strike assembly 202 is plane polarized in the PZdirection of the near polarizer, i.e., the p direction. The planepolarized light passes in substantial part through the LC material.

The elongated particles of the LC material in core layer 222 arenormally in an orientation which causes the PZ direction of incomingincident p polarized light to rotate a primary LC amount so that thetransmitted light leaving the LC material and striking the far polarizeris plane polarized in a direction materially different from the pdirection. The primary LC amount of the PZ direction rotation is usually45°-90° for which an actual PZ direction rotation of greater than 360°is converted to an effective PZ direction rotation by subtracting 360°one or more times until the resultant rotation value is less than 360°.For each color A or X, the far polarizer transmits a high percentage,usually at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least90%, even more preferably at least 95%. of incident s polarized lightand blocks, preferably absorbs, any other incident light. The radiosityof the s polarized light passing through the far polarizer increases asthe effective PZ direction rotation provided by the LC material movestoward 90°.

A substantial part of the plane polarized light passing through the farpolarizer is normally reflected by the light reflector and passes backthrough the far polarizer, the LC material, and the near polarizer. Thefar polarizer blocks, preferably absorbs, any reflected incident lightplane polarized in any direction other than the s direction so thatreflected light passing through the far polarizer largely forms ARfalight plane polarized in the s direction. The LC material causesreflected incident s polarized ARfa light to undergo a rotation in PZdirection largely equal to the primary LC amount. The near polarizerblocks, preferably absorbs, any reflected incident light plane polarizedin largely any direction other than the p direction so that reflectedlight passing through the near polarizer includes ARfa light planepolarized in the p direction. The radiosity of the reflected p polarizedARfa light passing through the near polarizer increases as the effectivePZ direction rotation provided by the LC material moves toward 90°.

Core segment 232 responds to the general CC control signal providedduring the changed state by causing the LC particles in segment 232 tochange to an orientation materially different from their orientation inthe normal state such that incoming plane polarized light passingthrough segment 232 and striking the segment of the far polarizer insegment 216 of FA layer 206 is plane polarized in a materially differentdirection than incoming plane polarized light passing through core layer222 and striking the far polarizer during the normal state. TheLC-particle orientation change in core segment 232 may entail rotatingthe PZ direction of plane polarized light passing through segment 232 bya changed LC rotational amount usually less than 45°. If so, theeffective PZ direction rotation provided by segment 232 during thechanged state is materially different from, usually materially lessthan, the effective PZ direction rotation provided by layer 222 duringthe normal state.

During the changed state, the far polarizer segment in FA segment 216transmits a high percentage of incident polarized light plane polarizedin the s direction and blocks, preferably absorbs, incident light planepolarized in largely any other direction just as in the normal state.However, the radiosity of the reflected s polarized light temporarilypassing through the far polarizer segment in FA segment 216 differsmaterially from, is usually materially less than, the radiosity of thereflected s polarized light normally passing through the far polarizerbecause the effective PZ direction rotation, if any, temporarilyprovided by the LC material in core segment 232 differs materially from,is usually materially less than, the effective PZ direction rotationnormally provided by the LC material in core layer 222.

A substantial part of the plane polarized light passing through the farpolarizer segment in FA segment 216 during the changed state isreflected by the segment of the light reflector in FA segment 216 andpasses back through the far polarizer segment in segment 216, coresegment 232, and the segment of the near polarizer in NA segment 214.The far polarizer segment in FA segment 216 blocks, preferably absorbs,any reflected incident light plane polarized in any direction other thanthe s direction so that reflected light passing through the farpolarizer segment in segment 216 largely forms XRfa light planepolarized in the s direction. To the extent that the PZ direction ofincoming p polarized XRfa light leaving the near polarizer segment in NAsegment 214 temporarily undergoes rotation, the LC material in coresegment 232 causes reflected incident s polarized XRfa light to undergothe same rotation in PZ direction. The near polarizer segment in NAsegment 214 blocks, preferably absorbs, any reflected incident lightplane polarized in any direction other than the p direction so thatreflected light passing through the near polarizer segment in NA segment214 includes XRfa light plane polarized in the p direction.

The radiosity of the reflected p plane polarized XRfa light temporarilypassing through the near polarizer segment in NA segment 214 differsmaterially from, is usually materially less than, the radiosity of thereflected p plane polarized ARfa light normally passing through the nearpolarizer because the radiosity of the reflected s plane polarized XRfalight temporarily passing through the far polarizer segment in FAsegment 216 differs materially from, is usually materially less than,the radiosity of the reflected s plane polarized ARfa light normallypassing through the far polarizer due to the effective PZ directionrotation, if any, temporarily provided by core segment 232 differingmaterially from, usually being materially less than, the effective PZdirection rotation normally provided by core layer 222. Colors ARfa andXRfa normally have the same wavelength characteristics. However, thematerial difference in radiosity between the resultant reflected p planepolarized XRfa light temporarily leaving NA segment 214 and theresultant reflected p plane polarized ARfa light normally leaving NAlayer 204 by itself, or in combination with other reflected lightleaving print area 118 during the changed state and SF zone 112 duringthe normal state enables color X to differ materially from color A. Withcolor XRfa being of materially lower radiosity than color ARfa, color Xis materially lighter than color A even though the wavelengthcharacteristics of ARfa and XRfa light are the same. For instance, colorX can be pink while color A is red.

The WI traits in the deep-reflection embodiment are embodied as followsin the reflective LC structure with the polarizers having perpendicularPZ directions. For the NA incoming and outgoing traits, the nearpolarizer causes light passing either way through NA layer 204 to beplane polarized in the p direction. For the FA trait, the far polarizercauses light passing either way through the FA layer 206 to be planepolarized in the s direction. For the primary incoming and outgoingtraits, the LC material in core layer 222 causes the PZ direction ofplane polarized light passing either way through layer 222 during thenormal state to rotate the primary LC rotational amount, usually45°-90°. For the changed incoming and outgoing traits, the segment ofthe LC material in core segment 232 causes the PZ direction of lightpassing through segment 232 during the changed state to rotate thechanged LC rotational amount, usually less than 45°, if the LC materialin segment 232 undergoes any PZ direction rotation during the changedstate.

When the polarizers in the reflective LC structure have parallel PZdirections with the near polarizer causing light passing either waythrough NA layer 204 to be plane polarized in the p direction, theactions performed by the far polarizer and the LC material during thenormal and changed states are opposite from the actions performed by thefar polarizer and the LC material when the polarizers in the reflectiveLC structure have perpendicular PZ directions. The WI traits in thedeep-reflection embodiment are then embodied as follows. For the FAtrait, the far polarizer causes light passing either way through FAlayer 206 to be plane polarized in the p direction. For the primaryincoming and outgoing traits, the LC material in core layer 222 causesthe PZ direction of plane polarized light normally passing either waythrough layer 222 to rotate a primary LC amount, usually less than 45°,if the LC material in layer 222 normally undergoes any PZ directionrotation. For the changed incoming and outgoing traits, the segment ofthe LC material in core segment 232 causes the PZ direction of lighttemporarily passing through segment 232 to rotate a changed LC amount,usually 45°-90°.

Emission-Based Embodiments of Color-Change Component with ElectrodeAssembly

Six general embodiments of CC component 184 in OI structure 200 arebased on changes in light emission. These six embodiments are termed themid-emission ET, mid-emission EN, mid-emission EN-ET, deep-emission ET,deep-emission EN, and deep-emission EN-ET embodiments. Theabove-described preliminary specifications for the four CC-componentlight-reflection embodiments apply to these six CC-componentlight-emission embodiments.

Beginning with the three mid-emission embodiments of CC component 184,FA layer 206 is not significantly involved in color changing in any ofthe mid-emission embodiments. There is largely no ARfa, AEfa, XRfa, orXEfa light, and thus largely no ADfa, ATfa, XDfa, or XTfa light, in anyof the mid-emission embodiments. The difference between the two singlemid-emission embodiments is that core layer 222 emits light only duringthe changed state in the mid-emission ET embodiment and only during thenormal state in the mid-emission EN embodiment. Layer 222 emits lightduring both states in the mid-emission EN-ET embodiment.

The mid-emission ET embodiment utilizes normal ARab light reflection andtemporary XEab light emission-XRab light reflection or, morespecifically, normal ARne/ARcl/ARfe light reflection and temporary XEcllight emission-ARne/XRcl/XRfe light reflection respectively due mostlyto ARcl/ARfe light reflection and XEcl light emission. During the normalstate, the mid-emission ET embodiment operates the same as themixed-reflection RT embodiment and thus the same as the mid-reflectionembodiment.

During the changed state, core segment 232 in the mid-emission ETembodiment responds to the general CC control signal applied between atleast oppositely situated parts of electrode segments 234 and 236 bytemporarily emitting XEcl light, usually a majority component of Xlight. Total XTcl light consists of XEcl light, any XRcl light reflectedby segment 232, and any FE-segment-reflected XRfe light passing throughit, usually mostly temporarily emitted XEcl light. Any reflected XRcllight is usually largely ARcl light. Total XTab light consists of XDablight formed with XEcl light passing through NE segment 234, any ARnelight reflected by it, and any XRcl and XRfe light passing through it,likewise usually mostly XEcl light. Total XTcc light consists of XEcllight passing through NA segment 214, any ARna light reflected by it,and any ARne, XRcl, and XRfe light passing through it, again usuallymostly XEcl light. Including any ARis light reflected by IS segment 192,X light is formed with XEcl light and any ARis, ARna, ARne, XRcl andXRfe light leaving segment 192 and thus IDVC portion 138.

The mid-emission EN embodiment utilizes normal AEab light emission-ARablight reflection and temporary XRab light reflection or, morespecifically, normal AEcl light emission-ARne/ARcl/ARfe light reflectionand temporary ARne/XRcl/XRfe light reflection respectively due mostly toAEcl light emission and XRcl/XRfe light reflection. During the normalstate, core layer 222 normally emits AEcl light, usually a majoritycomponent of A light. Total ATcl light consists of AEcl light, any ARcllight reflected by layer 222, and any FE-structure-reflected ARfe lightpassing through it, usually mostly normally emitted AEcl light. TotalATab light consists of ADab light formed with AEcl light passing throughNE structure 224, any ARne light reflected by it, and any ARcl and ARfelight passing through it, likewise usually mostly AEcl light. Total ATcclight consists of AEcl light passing through NA layer 204, any ARnalight reflected by it, and any ARne, ARcl, and ARfe light passingthrough it, again usually mostly AEcl light. Including any ARis lightreflected by IS component 182, A light is formed with AEcl light and anyARis, ARna, ARne, ARcl, and ARfe light normally leaving component 182and thus VC region 106.

Core layer 222 in the mid-emission EN embodiment responds to the generalCC control signal the same as in the mixed-reflection RN embodiment.Hence, the mid-emission EN embodiment operates the same in the changedstate as the mid-reflection embodiment.

Assembly 202 in mid-emission EN or ET embodiment may be one or more ofthe following light-processing arrangements: a cathodoluminescentarrangement, an electrochromic fluorescent arrangement, anelectrochromic luminescent arrangement, an electrochromic phosphorescentarrangement, an electroluminescent arrangement, an emissivemicroelectricalmechanicalsystem (display) arrangement (such as atime-multiplexed optical shutter or a backlit digital micro shutterstructure), a field-emission arrangement, a light-emitting diodearrangement, a light-emitting electrochemical cell arrangement, anorganic light-emitting diode arrangement, an organic light-emittingtransistor arrangement, a photoluminescent arrangement, a plasma panelarrangement, a quantum-dot light-emitting diode arrangement, asurface-conduction-emission arrangement, and a vacuum fluorescent(display) arrangement.

Core layer 222 in each light-processing arrangement usually contains amultiplicity of light-emissive elements distributed laterally uniformlyacross layer 222. “LE” hereafter means light-emissive. Each LE elementlies between a small part of NE structure 224 and a generally oppositelysituated small part of FE structure 226 for which these two parts ofelectrode structures 224 and 226 occupy approximately the same lateralarea as that LE element. The LE elements continuously or selectivelyemit light during operation of OI structure 200 depending on factorssuch as their locations in layer 222. The LE elements reflect lightconstituting part or all of the ARcl light during the normal state. Coresegment 232 contains a submultiplicity of the LE elements. The LEelements in segment 232 reflect light constituting part or all of theXRcl light during the changed state.

During the normal state in the mid-emission ET embodiment of eachlight-processing arrangement with control voltage V_(nf) along corelayer 222 at normal value V_(nfN), the LE elements either no light oremit light provided that little, preferably none, of the emitted lightleaves layer 222 along NE structure 224. When voltage V_(nf) along coresegment 232 goes to value V_(nfC) to initiate the changed state, the LEelements in segment 232 emit XEcl light, again usually a majoritycomponent of X light, leaving segment 232. When voltage V_(nf) alongsegment 232 returns to value V_(nfN), the LE elements in segment 232return to emitting no light or to emitting light provided that little,preferably none, of the emitted light leaves segment 232 along NEsegment 234.

The opposite occurs in the mid-emission EN embodiment of eachlight-processing arrangement. With voltage V_(nf) along core layer 222being value V_(nfN) during the normal state, the LE elements emit AEcllight, again usually a majority component of A light, leaving layer 222.When voltage V_(nf) along core segment 232 goes to value V_(nfC) toinitiate the changed state, the LE elements in segment 232 either emitno light or continue to emit light provided that little, preferablynone, of the emitted light leaves segment 232 along NE segment 234. Whenvoltage V_(nf) along core segment 232 returns to value V_(nfN), the LEelements in segment 232 return to emitting AEcl light leaving it.

The LE elements are at fixed locations in core layer 222, and thus in CCcomponent 184, in one version of the mid-emission ET or EN embodiment.In the mid-emission ET version, the LE elements emit no light during thenormal state. In the mid-emission EN version, the LE elements in coresegment 232 largely cease emitting light in response to the general CCcontrol signal so as to emit no light during the changed state.

Each LE element has an element emissive area across which AEcl light isemitted during the normal state in the mid-emission EN embodiment andXEcl light is emitted during the changed state in the mid-emission ETembodiment if that LE element is in IDVC portion 138. AEcl or XEcl lightof each LE element can be emitted relatively uniformly across itsemissive area. Alternatively, each LE element includes three or more LEsubelements, each operable to emit light of a different one of three ormore primary colors, e.g., red, green, and blue, combinable to producemany colors usually including white. Each LE subelement usually emitsits primary color across a subelement emissive subarea of the emissivearea of its LE element. The standard human eye/brain would interpret thecombination of the primary colors of the light emitted by the LEsubelements in each LE element of the mid-emission EN embodiment ascolor AEcl if the AEcl light traveled to the human eye unaccompanied byother light. The same applies to color XEcl and XEcl light for each LEelement in portion 138 of the mid-emission ET embodiment.

The radiosities of the light of the primary colors emitted from eachelement emissive area can be programmably adjusted subsequent tomanufacture of OI structure 200 for adjusting AEcl light, and thus Alight, in the mid-emission EN embodiment and XEcl light, and thus Xlight, in the mid-emission ET embodiment. The programming is performed,as necessary, for each primary color, by providing the LE subelementsoperable for emitting light of that primary color with a programmingvoltage that causes them to emit light of their primary color atradiosity suitable for the desired AEcl light in the mid-emission ENembodiment and suitable for the desired XEcl light in the mid-emissionET embodiment.

Another version of the mid-emission ET or EN embodiment entailsproviding the LE elements in a supporting medium, usually a fluid suchas a liquid, in core layer 222. The supporting medium is a medium colorM1Rc materially different from temporary emitted core color XEcl. Hence,the medium reflects M1Rc light and absorbs or/and transmits other light.The LE elements have electrical characteristics, typically electricalcharging, which enable them to translate (move) in response to achanging electric field. Also, the LE elements are usually of anLE-element color L1Rc so as reflect L1Rc light and absorb or/andtransmit, preferably absorb, other light.

In the mid-emission ET translating-element version, setting voltageV_(nf) at normal value V_(nfN) laterally along core layer 222 results inthe LE elements being normally distributed in the medium such that, evenif they emit light, largely none of the emitted light leaves layer 222along NE structure 224. Specifically, the LE elements are normallydispersed throughout the medium or situated adjacent to FE structure 226so as to be averagely remote from NE structure 224. The medium absorbsany light emitted by the LE elements and traveling toward structure 224.Since the medium reflects M1Rc light and since the LE elements reflectL1Rc light, ARcl light normally leaving layer 222 consists of M1Rc lightand any L1Rc light. Total ATcl light consists of M1Rc light and any L1Rcand XRfe light. Any LiRc light normally leaving layer 222 alongstructure 224 is of low radiosity compared to M1Rc light normallyleaving layer 222 along structure 224.

The V_(nfC) polarity and the characteristics, e.g., charging, of the LEelements are chosen such that the LE elements in core segment 232translate so as to be adjacent to NE segment 234 when voltage V_(nf)along segment 232 goes to changed value V_(nfC). The LE elements insegment 232 then emit XEcl light leaving it. With XRcl light leavingsegment 232 consisting of M1Rc and L1Rc light, total XTcl light consistsof XEcl, M1Rc, and L1Rc light and any ARfe light so as to differmaterially from the ATcl light normally leaving core layer 222. The sameresult is achieved by reversing both the V_(nfC) polarity and thecharacteristics of the LE elements.

The mid-emission EN translating-element version operates in the oppositeway. Setting voltage V_(nf) at value V_(nfN) laterally along core layer222 results in the LE elements normally being adjacent to NE structure224. The LE elements normally emit AEcl light leaving layer 222. Sincethe medium reflects M1Rc light and since the LE elements reflect L1Rclight, ARcl light normally leaving layer 222 consists of M1Rc and L1Rclight. Total ATcl light consists of AEcl, M1Rc, and L1Rc light and anyARfe light.

Changing voltage V_(nf) in core segment 232 to value V_(nfC) causes theLE elements in segment 232 to translate so as to be averagely remotefrom NE segment 234. In particular, the LE elements in segment 232become dispersed throughout it or situated adjacent to FE segment 236.The segment of the medium in core segment 232 absorbs any light emittedby the LE elements in segment 232 and traveling toward NE segment 234.With XRcl light leaving segment 232 consisting largely of M1Rc light andany L1Rc light, total XTcl light consists largely of M1Rc light and anyL1Rc and ARfe light and differs materially from the ATcl light normallyleaving core layer 222. Any LiRc light temporarily leaving segment 232along NE segment 234 is of low radiosity compared to M1Rc lighttemporarily leaving segment 232 along NE segment 234. The same result isagain achieved by reversing both the V_(nfC) polarity and thecharacteristics of the LE elements.

Various mechanisms can cause the LE elements in the translating-elementversion of the mid-emission ET or EN embodiment to emit XEcl or AEcllight. The LE elements can emit light an electrochromic fluorescently,electrochromic luminescently, electrochromic phosphorescently, orelectroluminescently in response to an alternating-current voltagesignal imposed on voltage V_(nf). The LE elements can emit lightphotoluminescently in response to electromagnetic radiation providedfrom a source outside assembly 202. “EM” hereafter meanselectromagnetic. The EM radiation is typically IR radiation but can belight or UV radiation, usually UV radiation just beyond the visiblespectrum. The radiation source is typically in FA layer 206 but can bein NA layer 204. The EM radiation can sometimes simply be ambient light.In addition, the LE elements can sometimes emit light naturally, i.e.,without external stimulus.

The LE elements in the translating-element version of the mid-emissionET or EN embodiment can emit light continuously during operation of OIstructure 200. This can occur in response to EM radiation provided froma source of EM radiation. If so and if the EM radiation source iscapable of being switched between radiating (on) and non-radiating (off)states, the radiation source is usually placed in the non-radiatingstate when structure 200 is out of operation so as to save power.Alternatively, the LE elements in core segment 232 of the mid-emissionET version can emit XEcl light in response to the general CC controlsignal but be non-emissive of light at other times. In a complementarymanner, the LE elements in segment 232 of the mid-emission EN versioncan normally emit AEcl light and become non-emissive of light inresponse to the control signal.

The mid-emission EN-ET embodiment utilizes normal AEab lightemission-ARab light reflection and temporary XEab light emission-XRablight reflection or, more specifically, normal AEcl lightemission-ARne/ARcl/ARfe light reflection and temporary XEcl lightemission-ARne/XRcl/XRfe light reflection respectively due mostly to AEcllight emission and XEcl light emission. The mid-emission EN-ETembodiment operates the same during the normal state as the mid-emissionEN embodiment. Core segment 232 in the mid-emission EN-ET embodimentresponds to the general CC control signal the same as in themid-emission ET embodiment. Hence, the mid-emission EN-ET embodimentoperates the same during the changed state as the mid-emission ETembodiment.

Assembly 202 in the mid-emission EN-ET embodiment can generally be anyone or more of the above light-processing arrangements usable toimplement the mid-emission EN and ET embodiments subject to modificationof each light-processing arrangement to be capable of emitting both AEcllight and XEcl light. In one modification, core layer 222 contains amultiplicity of first LE elements distributed laterally uniformly acrosslayer 222 and a multiplicity of second LE elements distributed laterallyuniformly across layer 222 and thus approximately uniformly among thefirst LE elements. Each LE element lies between a small part of NEstructure 224 and a generally oppositely situated small part of FEstructure 226 for which these two parts of electrode structures 224 and226 occupy approximately the same lateral area as that LE element. Coresegment 232 contains a submultiplicity of the first LE elements and asubmultiplicity of the second LE elements. The mechanisms causing thefirst and second LE elements to emit light are the same as thosedescribed above for causing the LE elements in the above-describedversion of the mid-emission ET or EN embodiment to emit light.

The first and second LE elements, i.e., all the properly functioningones, have the following light-emitting capabilities. The first LEelements emit light of wavelength for a first LE emitted color P1Ecduring the normal state in which voltage V_(nf) between electrodestructures 226 and 224 is at value V_(nfN) such that P1Ec light leavescore layer 222 and exits VC region 106. During the changed state withvoltage V_(nf) between the two parts of structures 226 and 224 for eachLE element in core segment 232 at value V_(nfC), the first LE elementsoutside segment 232 continue to emit P1Ec light leaving layer 222 andexiting region 106. The first LE elements in segment 232 may or may notemit P1Ec light leaving segment 232 and exiting IDVC portion 138 duringthe changed state depending on which of the switching modes, describedbelow, is used. The circumstance of a first LE element in segment 232not providing light leaving portion 138 during the changed state can beachieved by having that element temporarily be non-emissive or by havingit emit light that temporarily does not leave portion 138, e.g., due toabsorption in segment 232.

The second LE elements in core segment 232 emit light of wavelength fora second LE emitted color Q1Ec during the changed state such that Q1Eclight leaves segment 232 and exits IDVC portion 138. The second LEelements outside segment 232 may or may not emit Q1Ec light which leavescore layer 222 and exits VC region 106 during the changed statedepending on which of the switching modes is used. The same applies tothe second LE elements during the normal state. The circumstance of asecond LE element not providing light leaving region 106 during thenormal or changed state can be achieved by having that element normallyor temporarily be non-emissive or by having it emit light that normallyor temporarily does not leave region 106, e.g., due to absorption inlayer 222.

Additionally, the first LE elements usually reflect light striking themand of wavelength for a first LE reflected color P1Rc while absorbingor/and transmitting, preferably absorbing, other incident light. P1Rclight may or may not leave core layer 222 and exit VC region 106 duringthe normal and changed states. Similarly, the second LE elements usuallyreflect light striking them and of wavelength for a second LE reflectedcolor Q1Rc while absorbing or/and transmitting, preferably absorbing,other incident light. Q1Rc light may or may not leave layer 222 and exitregion 106 during the normal and changed states.

Subject to the preceding emission/reflection specifications, the firstand second LE elements operate in one of the following three switchingmodes. In a first LE switching mode, the first and second LE elementsrespectively normally emit P1Ec and Q1Ec light which forms AEcl light,usually a majority component of A light, leaving core layer 222 along NEstructure 224 and then leaving VC region 106 via SF zone 112. Total ATcllight consists of P1Ec and Q1Ec light and any ARcl and ARfe light,usually mostly P1Ec and Q1Ec light, where the ARcl light includes anyP1Rc and Q1Rc light. The first LE elements in core segment 232 respondto the general CC control signal by temporarily largely ceasing to emitlight leaving IDVC portion 138 via print area 118. The second LEelements in segment 232 continue to emit Q1Ec light which forms XEcllight, usually a majority component of X light, leaving segment 232along NE segment 234 and then leaving portion 138 via area 118. TotalXTcl light consists largely of Q1Ec light and any XRcl and ARfe light,usually mostly Q1Ec light, where the XRcl light includes any P1Rc andQ1Rc light.

In a second LE switching mode, the first LE elements normally emit P1Eclight which forms AEcl light, usually a majority component of A light,leaving core layer 222 along NE structure 234 and then leaving VC region106 via SF zone 112. The second LE elements normally emit largely nolight leaving region 106 along zone 112. Total ATcl light consistslargely of P1Ec light and any ARcl and ARfe light, usually mostly P1Eclight, where the ARcl light again includes any P1Rc and Q1Rc light. Uponoccurrence of the general CC control signal, the first LE elements incore segment 232 continue to emit P1Ec light leaving it along NE segment234 and then leaving IDVC portion 138 via print area 118. The second LEelements in core segment 232 respond to the general CC control signal bytemporarily emitting Q1Ec light leaving segment 232 via NE segment 234and then leaving portion 138 via area 118. P1Ec and Q1Ec light form XEcllight, usually a majority component of X light. Total XTcl lightconsists of P1Ec and Q1Ec light and any XRcl and ARfe light, usuallymostly P1Ec and Q1Ec light, where the XRcl light again includes any P1Rcand Q1Rc light.

In a third LE switching mode, the first and second LE elements operatethe same during the normal state as in the second LE switching mode. Thefirst LE elements in core segment 232 respond to the general CC controlsignal by temporarily largely ceasing to emit light leaving IDVC portion138 along print area 118. The second LE elements in segment 232 respondto the control signal by temporarily emitting Q1Ec light which formsXEcl light, usually a majority component of X light, temporarily leavingsegment 232 along NE segment 234 and then leaving portion 138 along area118. As in the first LE switching mode, total XTcl light consistslargely of Q1Ec light and any XRcl and ARfe light, usually mostly Q1Eclight, where the XRcl light includes any P1Rc and Q1Rc light.

The first and second LE elements are at fixed locations in core layer222 and thus in CC component 184 in a version of the mid-emission EN-ETembodiment implementing each LE switching mode. During the normal statein the version implementing the third LE switching mode, the first LEelements emit P1Ec light while the second LE elements emit no light.During the changed state, the second LE elements in core segment 232temporarily emit Q1Ec light in response to the general CC control signalwhile the first LE elements in segment 232 become non-emissive inresponse to the control signal.

When the first and second LE elements are fixedly located in core layer222, those LE elements also usually have the physical characteristics ofthe fixed-location LE elements in the mid-emission ET or EN embodiment.Accordingly, each first or second LE element can include three or moreLE subelements, each operable to emit light of a different one of threeor more primary colors, e.g., again red, green, and blue, combinable toproduce many colors usually including white. The standard humaneye/brain would interpret the combination of the primary colors of thelight emitted by the first or second LE subelements in each LE elementas color P1Ec or Q1Ec if the P1Ec or Q1Ec light traveled to the humaneye unaccompanied by other light.

The radiosities of the light of the primary colors emitted from eachemissive area can be programmably adjusted subsequent to manufacture ofOI structure 200 for enabling AEcl and XEcl light, and thus A and Xlight, to be adjusted. The programming is performed, as necessary, foreach primary color, by providing the LE subelements operable foremitting light of that primary color with a selected programming voltagethat causes those LE subelements to emit their primary color atradiosities suitable for the desired AEcl and XEcl light.

Another version of the mid-emission EN-ET embodiment implementing thethird LE switching mode entails providing the two sets of LE elements ina supporting medium, usually a fluid such as a liquid, in core layer222. The supporting medium is again generally of medium color M1Rc. Themedium is preferably transparent so that the M1Rc radiosity is close tozero. The LE elements have electrical characteristics, typicallyelectrical charging, which enable the second LE elements to translateoppositely to the first LE elements in the presence of an electricfield. Setting voltage V_(nf) at normal value V_(nfN) laterally alonglayer 222 causes the first LE elements to be adjacent to NE structure224 while the second LE elements are averagely remote from structure224. In particular, the second LE elements are normally dispersedthroughout the medium or situated adjacent to FE structure 226. Thefirst LE elements emit P1Ec light leaving layer 222 along NE structure224 and then VC region 106 via SF zone 112. The medium absorbs lightemitted by the second LE elements and traveling toward structure 224.Since the medium reflects M1Rc light and since the first and second LEelements respectively reflect P1Rc and Q1Rc light, total ATcl lightconsists largely of P1Ec and P1Rc light and any Q1Rc, M1Rc, and ARfelight. Any Q1Rc light normally leaving layer 222 along structure 224 isof low radiosity compared to P1Rc light normally leaving layer 222 alongstructure 224.

The V_(nfC) polarity and the characteristics, e.g., charging, of the LEelements are chosen such that changing voltage V_(nf) along core segment232 to value V_(nfC) causes the second LE elements in segment 232 totranslate so as to be adjacent to NE segment 234 while the first LEelements in core segment 232 oppositely translate so as to be averagelyremote from NE segment 234. In particular, the first LE elements in coresegment 232 become temporarily dispersed throughout the segment of themedium in segment 232 or situated adjacent to FE segment 236. The secondLE elements in core segment 232 emit Q1Ec light leaving segment 232along NE segment 234 and then IDVC portion 138 via print area 118. Themedium absorbs light emitted by the first LE elements in core segment232 and traveling toward NE segment 234. With the segment of the mediumin core segment 232 reflecting M1Rc light and with the first and secondLE elements respectively reflecting P1Rc and Q1Rc light, total XTcllight consists largely of Q1Ec and Q1Rc light and any P1Rc, M1Rc, andARfe light and differs materially from the ATcl light normally leavingcore layer 222. During the changed state, any P1Rc light leaving segment232 along NE segment 234 is of low radiosity compared to Q1Rc lightleaving segment 232 along NE segment 234.

The first and second LE elements may emit light continuously duringoperation of OI structure 200 in the preceding version of themid-emission EN-ET embodiment. This can occur in response to EMradiation provided from an EM radiation source. If so and if theradiation source can be switched between radiating and non-radiatingstates, the radiation source is usually placed in the non-radiatingstate when structure 200 is out of operation so as to save power.Alternatively, the second LE elements in core segment 232 can emit XEcllight in response to the general CC control signal but be non-emissiveat other times while the first LE elements emit AEcl light continuouslyduring operation of structure 200 or normally emit AEcl light but becomenon-emissive in response to the control signal.

Moving to the three deep-emission embodiments of CC component 184, FAlayer 206 is utilized in each deep-emission embodiment for emittinglight in making color change. The difference between the singledeep-emission embodiments is that light emitted by layer 206 passesthrough core layer 222 only during the changed state in thedeep-emission ET embodiment but only in the normal state in thedeep-emission EN embodiment. Light emitted by FA layer 206 passesthrough core layer 222 during both states in the deep-emission EN-ETembodiment.

The deep-emission ET embodiment employs normal ARab light reflection andtemporary XEfa light emission-XRab/XRfa light reflection or, morespecifically, normal ARne/ARcl/ARfe light reflection and temporary XEfalight emission-ARne/XRcl/XRfe/XRfa light reflection respectively duemostly to ARcl/ARfe light reflection and XEfa light emission. Thedeep-emission ET embodiment is similar to the mixed-reflection RTembodiment except that FA layer 206 in the deep-emission ET embodimentemits light and lacks the light reflector of the mixed-reflection RTembodiment. During the normal state, the deep-emission ET embodimentoperates the same as the mid-emission ET embodiment and thus the same asthe mid-reflection embodiment.

Core segment 232 in the deep-emission ET embodiment responds to thegeneral CC control signal applied between at least oppositely situatedparts of electrode segments 234 and 236 during the changed state byallowing a substantial part of XEfa light, usually a majority componentof X light, emitted by FA segment 216 and passing through FE segment 236to temporarily pass through core segment 232. Total XTfa light consistsof XEfa light and any XRfa light reflected by FA segment 216, usuallymostly emitted XEfa light.

A substantial part of any XRfa light passes through FE segment 236 and,as allowed by core segment 232, through it. Total XTcl light consists ofXEfa light passing through segment 232, any XRfa light passing throughit, any XRcl light reflected by it, and any FE-segment-reflected XRfelight passing through it, usually mostly XEfa light. Total XTab lightconsists of XEfa light passing through NE segment 234, any XRfa lightpassing through it, and any XRab light formed with any ARne lightreflected by it and any XRcl and XRfe light passing through it, likewiseusually mostly XEfa light. Total XTcc light consists of XEfa lightpassing through NA segment 214, any ARna light reflected by it, and anyARne, XRcl, XRfe, and XRfa light passing through it, again usuallymostly XEfa light. Including any ARis light reflected by IS segment 192,X light is formed with XEfa light and any ARis, ARna, ARne, XRcl, XRfe,and XRfa light temporarily leaving segment 192 and thus IDVC portion138. XEfa light is preferably a 75% majority component, more preferablya 90% majority component, of each of XTfa, XTcl, XTab, XTcc, and Xlight.

The deep-emission EN embodiment employs normal AEfa lightemission-ARab/ARfa light reflection and temporary XRab light reflectionor, more specifically, normal AEfa light emission-ARne/ARcl/ARfe/ARfalight reflection and temporary ARne/XRcl/XRfe light reflectionrespectively due mostly to AEfa light emission and XRcl/XRfe lightreflection. The deep-emission EN embodiment is similar to themixed-reflection RN embodiment except that FA layer 206 in thedeep-emission EN embodiment emits light and lacks the light reflector ofthe single mixed-reflection RN embodiment. During the normal state, corelayer 222 in the deep-emission EN embodiment allows AEfa light, usuallya majority component of A light, emitted by FA layer 206 and passingthrough FE structure 226 to pass through core layer 222. Total ATfalight consists of AEfa light and any ARfa light reflected by FA layer206, usually mostly emitted AEfa light.

A substantial part of any ARfa light passes through FE structure 226and, as allowed by core layer 222, through it. Total ATcl light consistsof AEfa light passing through layer 222, any ARfa light passing throughit, any ARcl light reflected by it, and any FE-structure-reflected ARfelight passing through it, usually mostly emitted AEfa light. Total ATablight consists of AEfa light passing through NE structure 224, any ARfalight passing through it, and any ARab light formed with any ARne lightreflected by structure 224 and any ARcl and ARfe light passing throughit, likewise usually mostly emitted AEfa light. Total ATcc lightconsists of AEfa light passing through NA layer 204, any ARna lightreflected by it, and any ARne, ARcl, ARfe, and ARfa light passingthrough it, again usually mostly AEfa light. Including any ARis lightreflected by IS component 182, A light is formed with AEfa light and anyARis, ARna, ARne, ARcl, ARfe, and ARfa light temporarily leavingcomponent 182 and thus VC region 106. AEfa light is preferably a 75%majority component, more preferably a 90% majority component, of each ofATfa, ATcl, ATab, ATcc, and A light.

Core segment 232 in the deep-emission EN embodiment responds to thegeneral CC control signal the same as in the mid-emission EN embodiment.Consequently, the deep-emission EN embodiment operates the same duringthe changed state as the mid-reflection embodiment.

In one implementation of the deep-emission ET or EN embodiment, corelayer 222 contains dimensionally anisotropic core particles distributedlaterally across the layer's extent and switchable betweenlight-transmissive and light-blocking states. The core particles havethe characteristics described above for the implementation of themixed-reflection RT or RN embodiment utilizing dimensionally anisotropiccore particles. NA layer 204 may or may not be present in thisdeep-emission ET or EN implementation. FA layer 206 in the deep-emissionET or EN implementation contains a light emitter extending along, andgenerally parallel to, FE structure 226. The deep-emission ET or ENimplementation is configured the same as the implementation of themixed-reflection RT or RN embodiment utilizing anisotropic coreparticles except that the light emitter replaces the light reflector.The deep-emission ET or EN implementation operates the same as themixed-reflection RT or RN implementation utilizing anisotropic coreparticles except as described below.

The deep-emission ET implementation operates the same as themixed-reflection RT implementation utilizing anisotropic core particlesexcept that, during the changed state, the combination of XEfa lightemitted by the segment of the light emitter in FA segment 216 and anyXRfa light reflected by segment 216 replaces XRfa light reflected by thesegment of the light reflector in segment 216. The light emitter maycontinuously emit XEfa light during operation of the deep-emission ETimplementation. Alternatively, the light emitter may respond to thegeneral CC control signal by emitting XEfa light only during the changedstate in order to reduce power consumption.

The deep-emission EN implementation operates the same as themixed-reflection RN implementation utilizing anisotropic core particlesexcept that, during the normal state, the combination of AEfa lightemitted by the light emitter and any ARfa light reflected by FA layer206 replaces ARfa light reflected by the light reflector. The lightemitter usually continuously emits AEfa light during operation of thedeep-emission EN implementation.

Core layer 222 consists of LC material formed with elongated LCmolecules constituting the core particles in one version of thedeep-emission ET or EN implementation for which CC component 184consists of a reflective LC arrangement, typically polarizer-free. Inanother version of the deep-emission ET or EN implementation, layer 222is formed with a fluid, typically a liquid, in which dipolar particlesconstituting the core particles are colloidally suspended. These twoversions of the deep-emission ET or EN implementation are respectivelyconfigured and operable as described above for the two versions of themixed-reflection RT or RN implementation utilizing anisotropic coreparticles formed respectively with elongated LC molecules and withdipolar particles subject to (a) the light emitter replacing the lightreflector, (b) the changed-state combination of XEfa light emitted bythe segment of the light emitter in FA segment 216 and any XRfa lightreflected by segment 216 replacing XRfa light reflected by the segmentof the light reflector in segment 216, and (c) the normal-statecombination of AEfa light emitted by the light emitter and any ARfalight reflected by FA layer 206 replacing ARfa light reflected by thelight reflector.

The deep-emission EN-ET embodiment employs normal AEfa lightemission-ARab/ARfa light reflection and temporary XEfa lightemission-XRab/XRfa light reflection or, more specifically, normal AEfalight emission-ARne/ARcl/ARfe/ARfa light reflection and temporary XEfalight emission-ARne/XRcl/XRfe/XRfa light reflection respectively duemostly to AEfa light emission and XEfa light emission. The deep-emissionEN-ET embodiment is similar to the deep-reflection embodiment exceptthat FA layer 206 in the deep-emission EN-ET embodiment emits light andlacks the strong light-reflection capability of the deep-reflectionembodiment. Core layer 222 and auxiliary layers 204 and 206 are usuallyemployed in the deep-emission EN-ET embodiment for imposing certaintraits, usually WI traits such as PZ traits, on light emitted by FAlayer 206 and passing through FE structure 226, core layer 222, NEstructure 224, NA layer 204, and IS component 182. In particular, thedeep-emission EN-ET embodiment operates the same as the deep-reflectionembodiment when WI traits are employed except as described below.

During the normal state, FA layer 206 emits AEfa light, usually amajority component of A light. Layer 206 also typically reflects ARfalight. Total ATfa light consists of AEfa light and any ARfa light,usually mostly emitted AEfa light. Layer 206 typically imposes the FAtrait on the AEfa light and on at least part of the ARfa light.

The remaining light processing during the normal state in thedeep-emission EN-ET embodiment is the same as in the deep-reflectionembodiment except that the combination of AEfa light and any ARfa lightreplaces ARfa light. Total ATfe light consists of AEfa light passingthrough FE structure 226, any ARfa light passing through it, and anyARfe light reflected by it, usually mostly AEfa light. ATfe lightpassing through core layer 222 has the primary outgoing trait uponreaching NA layer 204. Total ATcl light consists of AEfa light passingthrough core layer 222, any ARcl light reflected by it, and any ARfe andARfa light passing through it, usually mostly AEfa light having theprimary outgoing trait. Total ATab light consists of AEfa light passingthrough NE structure 224, any ARfa light passing through it, and anyARab light formed with any ARne light reflected by structure 224 and anyARcl and ARfe light passing through it, likewise usually mostly AEfalight.

ATab light passing through NA layer 204 typically has the NA outgoingtrait upon reaching IS component 182. Total ATcc light consists of AEfalight passing through layer 204, any ARna light reflected by it, and anyARne, ARcl, ARfe, and ARfa light passing through it, again usuallymostly AEfa light. Including any ARis light normally reflected bycomponent 182, A light is formed with AEfa light and any ARis, ARna,ARne, ARcl, ARfe, and ARfa light normally leaving component 182 and thusVC region 106. AEfa light is preferably a 75% majority component, morepreferably a 90% majority component, of each of ATfa, ATcl, ATab, ATcc,and A light.

During the changed state, core segment 232 responds to the general CCcontrol signal applied between at least oppositely situated parts ofelectrode segments 234 and 236 by allowing XEfa light, usually amajority component of X light, emitted by FA segment 216 and passingthrough FE segment 236 to temporarily pass through core segment 232. FAsegment 216 typically reflects XRfa light, usually largely ARfa light.Total XTfa light consists of XEfa light and any XRfa light, usuallymostly emitted XEfa light. Segment 216 typically imposes the FA trait onthe XEfa light and on at least part of the XRfa light.

The remaining light processing during the changed state in thedeep-emission EN-ET embodiment is the same as in the deep-reflectionembodiment except that the combination of XEfa light and any XRfa lightreplaces XRfa light. Total XTfe light consists of XEfa light passingthrough FE segment 236, any XRfa light passing through it, and any ARfelight reflected by it, usually mostly XEfa light. XTfe light passingthrough core segment 232 has the changed outgoing trait upon reaching NAsegment 214. Total XTcl light consists of XEfa light passing throughcore segment 232, any XRcl light reflected by it, and any XRfe and XRfalight passing through it, usually mostly XEfa light having the changedoutgoing trait. Total XTab light consists of XEfa light passing throughNE segment 234, any XRfa light passing through it, and any XRab lightformed with any ARne light reflected by segment 234 and any XRcl andXRfe light passing through it, likewise usually mostly XEfa light.

XTab light passing through NA segment 214 typically has the NA outgoingtrait upon reaching IS segment 192. Total XTcc light consists of XEfalight passing through NA segment 214, any ARna light reflected by it,and any ARne, XRcl, XRfe, and XRfa light passing through it, againusually mostly XEfa light. Including any ARis light reflected by ISsegment 192, X light is formed with XEfa light and any ARis, ARna, ARne,XRcl, XRfe, and XRfa light temporarily leaving segment 192 and thus IDVCportion 138. XEfa light is preferably a 75% majority component, morepreferably a 90% majority component, of each of XTfa, XTcl, XTab, XTcc,and X light.

While the primary outgoing and changed outgoing traits are independentof wavelength, the material difference between them is chosen to resultin temporary total core color XTcl differing materially from normaltotal core color ATcl in the deep-emission EN-ET embodiment. This oftenresults from the radiosity of the XEfa component in the XTcl lightduring the changed state differing materially from, usually beingmaterially less than, the radiosity of the AEfa component in the ATcllight during the normal state due to the material difference between theprimary outgoing and changed outgoing traits so that the XTcl and ATcllight differ materially in radiosity. Color X differs materially fromcolor A.

One embodiment of the deep-emission EN-ET embodiment of CC component 184is a backlit LC structure in which core layer 222 consists largely of LCmaterial such as nematic liquid crystal formed with elongated LCparticles. FA layer 206 contains a light emitter such as a lampextending parallel to, and along all of, assembly 202 so as to emitlight, usually of uniform radiosity, leaving layer 206 along all ofassembly 202.

The backlit LC structure is configured the same as the reflective LCstructure of the deep-reflection embodiment except that the lightemitter replaces the light reflector. NA layer 204 again contains a nearplane polarizer extending along, and generally parallel to, NE structure224. FA layer 206 contains a far plane polarizer extending along, andgenerally parallel to, FE structure 226 so as to lie between structure226 and the light emitter. The PZ direction of the far polarizer againtypically extends perpendicular to, or parallel to, the PZ direction ofthe near polarizer but can extend at a non-zero angle materiallydifferent from 90° to the PZ direction of the near polarizer. Thebacklit LC structure with perpendicular polarizers operates the same asthe reflective LC structure with perpendicular polarizers except asdescribed below.

The light emitter emits, usually continuously during operation of OIstructure 200, AEfa light that impinges on the far polarizer. With theemitted light consisting of p and s directional components definedrelative to the near polarizer so that the PZ direction of the farpolarizer extends in the s direction, the far polarizer transmits a highpercentage of the s component and blocks, preferably absorbs, the pcomponent. Emitted AEfa light and any reflected ARfa light passingthrough the far polarizer so as to strike FE structure 226 and corelayer 222 are plane polarized in the s direction. This action occursduring both the normal and changed states with structure 226 and layer222.

During the normal state, the combination of AEfa light and any ARfalight undergoes the same further processing that ARfa light undergoes inthe deep-reflection embodiment. Specifically, the LC material causesincident s polarized AEfa light and any ARfa light to undergo a rotationin PZ direction largely equal to the primary LC amount. The nearpolarizer blocks, preferably absorbs, any incident light plane polarizedin largely any direction other than the p direction so that lightpassing through the near polarizer includes AEfa light and any ARfalight plane polarized in the p direction.

During the changed state, core layer 222 here responds to the general CCcontrol signal the same as in the deep-reflection embodiment. Thecombination of XEfa light and any XRfa light undergoes the same furtherprocessing that XRfa light undergoes in the deep-reflection embodiment.More particularly, to the extent that the PZ direction of any incoming ppolarized XRna light leaving the near polarizer segment in NA segment214 undergoes rotation in core segment 232, the LC segment in segment232 causes incident s polarized XEfa light and any XRfa light to undergothe same rotation in PZ direction. The near polarizer segment in NAsegment 214 blocks, preferably absorbs, any incident light planepolarized in any direction other than the p direction so that lightpassing through the near polarizer segment in segment 214 includes XEfalight and any XRfa light plane polarized in the p direction. Theradiosity of the p plane polarized XEfa light passing through the nearpolarizer segment in segment 214 during the changed state differsmaterially from, is usually materially less than, the radiosity of the pplane polarized AEfa light passing through the near polarizer during thenormal state because the radiosity of the s plane polarized XEfa lightpassing through the far polarizer segment in FA segment 216 during thechanged state differs materially from the radiosity of the s planepolarized AEfa light passing through the far polarizer during the normalstate due to the effective PZ direction rotation, if any, provided bycore segment 232 during the changed state differing materially from,usually being materially less than, the effective PZ direction rotationprovided by core layer 222 during the normal state.

Similar to what occurs with colors ARfa and XRfa in the deep-reflectionembodiment, colors AEfa and XEfa normally have the same wavelengthcharacteristics. However, the material difference in radiosity betweenthe resultant p plane polarized XEfa light leaving NA segment 214 duringthe changed state and the resultant p plane polarized AEfa light leavingNA layer 204 during the normal state by itself, or in combination withother reflected light leaving print area 118 during the changed stateand SF zone 112 during the normal state enables color X to differmaterially from color A. With color XEfa being at materially lowerradiosity than color AEfa, color X is again materially lighter thancolor A even though even though the wavelength characteristics of XEfaand AEfa light are the same.

The mid-emission ET, mid-emission EN-ET, deep-emission ET, anddeep-emission EN-ET embodiments are advantageous because use of lightemission to produce changed color X enables print area 118 to be quitebright. Visibility of the color change is enhanced, especially in darkambient environments where certain colors are difficult to distinguish.

Object-Impact Structure having Surface Structure for Protection,Pressure Spreading, and/or Velocity Restitution Matching

FIGS. 13a-13c (collectively “FIG. 13”) illustrate an extension 240 of OIstructure 130. OI structure 240 is configured the same as structure 130,e.g., ISCC structure 132 can be embodied as CR or CE material, exceptthat VC region 106 here includes a principal SF structure 242 extendingfrom SF zone 112 to meet ISCC structure 132 along a flat principalstructure-structure interface 244 extending parallel to zone 112. SeeFIG. 13 a. SF structure 242 performs various functions such asprotecting ISCC structure 132 from damage and/or spreading pressure toimprove the matching between print area 118 and OC area 116 duringimpact on zone 112. For either of these functions, structure 242typically consists largely of insulating material along all of zone 112.Structure 242 may provide velocity restitution matching between SF zones112 and 114 as discussed below for FIGS. 102a and 102 b. Structure 242is usually largely transparent but may nonetheless strongly influenceprincipal color A or/and changed color X.

Light travels through SF structure 242. ISCC structure 132 here operatesthe same during the normal state as in OI structure 130 except thatlight leaving ISCC structure 132 via SF zone 112 in OI structure 130leaves ISCC structure 132 via interface 244 here. The total light,termed ATic light, normally leaving structure 132 consists of ARic lightreflected by it, any AEic light emitted by it, and anysubstructure-reflected ARsb light passing through it.

Substantial parts of the ARic light, any AEic light, and any ARsb lightpass through SF structure 242. Additionally, structure 242 may normallyreflect light, termed ARss light, which leaves it via SF zone 112 afterstriking zone 112. ARic light and any AEic, ARss, and ARsb lightnormally leaving structure 242, and thus VC region 106, form A light.Each of ADic light and either ARic or AEic light is again usually amajority component, preferably a 75% majority component, more preferablya 90% majority component, of A light. ARss light may, however, be amajority component of A light if structure 242 strongly influencesprincipal color A.

SF structure 242 usually absorbs some light. Hence, ATic light reachingSF zone 112 so as to leave VC region 106 can be of significantly lowerradiosity than total ATic light directly leaving ISCC structure 132along interface 244. To the extent that light absorption by SF structure242 is significantly wavelength dependent, light incident on zone 112and of wavelength significantly absorbed by structure 242 isconsiderably attenuated before reaching interface 244. ARic lightreflected by ISCC structure 132 is of comparatively low spectralradiosity at the spectral radiosity constituency of incident lightabsorbed by SF structure 242 because that light does not reach interface244 so as to be reflected by ISCC structure 132 and included in the ARiclight leaving structure 132. ARic light reaching zone 112 is usually ofthe same spectral radiosity constituency as the ARic light directlyleaving structure 132. If ARic light leaving structure 132 is the samein both OI structures 130 and 240, the ARic light leaving structure 240can be of considerably different spectral radiosity constituency thanARic light leaving structure 130 because it lacks SF structure 242 anddoes not undergo such wavelength-dependent absorption. Insofar asundesirable, this situation is alleviated by choosing thelight-absorption characteristics of structure 242 to significantly avoidabsorbing light at the spectral radiosity constituency of ARic lightdirectly leaving ISCC structure 132.

The circumstances differ somewhat with any AEic light emitted by ISCCstructure 132. Any component of AEic light leaving structure 132 atwavelength significantly absorbed by SF structure 242 is considerablyattenuated before reaching SF zone 112 due to absorption in structure242. AEic light reaching zone 112 so as to leave VC region 106 can be ofconsiderably different spectral radiosity constituency than the AEiclight directly leaving ISCC structure 132. If AEic light leavingstructure 132 is the same in OI structures 130 and 240, AEic lightleaving structure 240 can also be of considerably different spectralradiosity constituency than AEic light leaving structure 130 because itlacks structure 242 and does not undergo such wavelength-dependentabsorption. To the extent undesirable, this situation is alleviated bychoosing the light-absorption characteristics of structure 242 tosignificantly avoid absorbing light at the spectral radiosityconstituency of AEic light directly leaving ISCC structure 132.

Referring to FIGS. 13b and 13 c, item 252 is the ID segment of SFstructure 242 present in IDVC portion 138. Print area 118, the uppersurface of portion 138, is also the upper surface of surface-structuresegment 252 here. “SS” hereafter means surface-structure. Item 254 isthe ID segment of interface 244 present in portion 138. In FIGS. 13b and13c and in analogous later side cross-sectional drawings, ID IF segment254 is shown with extra thick line to clearly identify its exemplarylocation along interface 244.

The impact of object 104 on OC area 116 creates excess SF pressure alongarea 116. The excess SF pressure is transmitted through SF structure 242to interface 244 for producing excess internal pressure along an IDdistributed-pressure area 256 of interface 244. “DP” hereafter meansdistributed-pressure. ID internal DP IF area 256 is situated opposite,and laterally outwardly conforms to, OC area 116. IF area 256 is usuallylarger than, and usually extends laterally beyond, OC area 116 as shownin the example of FIGS. 13b and 13c and as arises when structure 242provides pressure spreading. While IF area 256 can be smaller than OCarea 116, this results in print area 118 being even smaller than OC area116.

ISCC segment 142 responds (a) in some general OI embodiments to theexcess internal pressure along DP IF area 256, specifically IF segment254, by causing IDVC portion 138 to temporarily appear as color X if theexcess internal pressure along segment 254 meets the above-describedprincipal basic excess internal pressure criteria here requiring thatthe excess internal pressure at a point along interface 244 equal orexceed a local TH value in order for the corresponding point along SFzone 112 to temporarily appear as color X or (b) in other general OIembodiments to the general CC control signal generated in response tothe excess internal pressure along segment 254 meeting the excessinternal pressure criteria sometimes dependent on other impact criteriaalso being met in those other embodiments by causing portion 138 totemporarily appear as color X. The changed state begins as portion 138goes to a condition in which XRic light reflected by ISCC segment 142and any XEic light emitted by it temporarily leave it along IF segment254. The total light, termed XTic light, temporarily leaving ISCCsegment 142 consists of XRic light, any XEic light, and anysubstructure-reflected XRsb light passing through it.

Substantial parts of the XRic light, any XEic light, and any XRsb lightpass through ID SS segment 252. If SF structure 242 reflects ARss lightduring the normal state, SS segment 252 reflects ARss light during thechanged state. XRic light and any XEic, ARss, and XRsb light leavingsegment 252, and thus IDVC portion 138, form X light. XDic light differsmaterially from A and ADic light. Each of XDic light and either XRic orXEic light is again usually a majority component, preferably a 75%majority component, more preferably a 90% majority component, of Xlight. If structure 242 strongly influences A light especially if ARsslight is a majority component of A light, ARss light usually has asignificant effect on X light. The contributions of ARss light to A andX light are chosen so that color X materially differs from color A.

Analogous to what occurs with ATic light, XTic light reaching print area118 so as to leave IDVC portion 138 can be of significantly lowerradiosity than total XTic light directly leaving ISCC segment 142 alongIF segment 254 due to light absorption by SS segment 252. To the extentthat light absorption by segment 252 is significantly wavelengthdependent, light incident on area 118 and of wavelength significantlyabsorbed by segment 252 is considerably attenuated before reaching IFsegment 254. XRic light reflected by ISCC segment 142 is ofcomparatively low spectral radiosity at the spectral radiosityconstituency of light absorbed by SF structure 242 because the lightabsorbed by SS segment 252 does not reach IF segment 254 so as to bereflected by ISCC segment 142 and included in the XRic light leavingsegment 142. XRic light reaching area 118 is usually of the samespectral radiosity constituency as XRic light directly leaving segment142. If XRic light leaving area 118 is the same in both OI structures130 and 240, XRic light leaving area 118 in structure 240 can be ofconsiderably different spectral radiosity constituency than XRic lightleaving area 118 in structure 130 because it lacks SF structure 242 anddoes not undergo such wavelength-dependent absorption. Insofar asundesirable, this situation is alleviated by choosing thelight-absorption characteristics of structure 242 to significantly avoidabsorbing light at the spectral radiosity constituency of XRic lightdirectly leaving segment 142.

Analogous to what occurs with AEic light, the circumstances differsomewhat with any XEic light emitted by ISCC segment 142. Any componentof XEic light leaving segment 142 at wavelength significantly absorbedby SF structure 242 is considerably attenuated before reaching printarea 118 due to absorption in SS segment 252. XEic light reaching area118 can thus be of considerably different spectral radiosityconstituency than XEic light directly leaving ISCC segment 142. If XEiclight leaving area 118 is the same in both OI structures 130 and 240,XEic light leaving area 118 in structure 240 so as to leave IDVC portion138 can be of considerably different spectral radiosity constituencythan XEic light leaving area 118 so as to leave portion 138 in structure130 because it lacks SF structure 242 and does not undergo suchwavelength-dependent absorption. To the extent undesirable, thissituation is alleviated by choosing the light-absorption characteristicsof OI structure 240 to significantly avoid absorbing light at thespectral radiosity constituency of XEic light directly leaving ISCCsegment 142.

SF structure 242 functions as a color filter for significantly absorbinglight of selected wavelength in an embodiment of OI structure 240 inwhich structure 242 strongly influences principal SF color A or/andchanged SF color X. For this embodiment, total ATic light as it leavesISCC structure 132 along interface 244 during the normal state is ofwavelength for a color termed principal internal color ATic. Because SFstructure 242 significantly absorbs light, ISCC structure 132 is notexternally visible along interface 244 as principal internal color ATicduring the normal state. Total XTic light as it leaves ISCC segment 142along IF segment 254 during the changed state is of wavelength for acolor termed changed internal color XTic. ISSC segment 142 is notexternally visible along IF segment 254 as changed internal color XTicduring the changed state.

A selected one of internal colors ATic and XTic is a principalcomparatively light color LP. The remaining one of colors ATic and XTicis a principal comparatively dark color DP darker than light color LP.Lightness L* of light color LP is usually at least 70, preferably atleast 80, more preferably at least 90. Lightness L* of dark color DP isusually no more than 30, preferably no more than 20, more preferably nomore than 10. If principal internal color ATic is light color LP,principal SF color A is darker than light color LP due to the lightabsorption by SF structure 242 while changed SF color X may be darkerthan dark color DP depending on the characteristics of the lightabsorption by structure 242 and on the lightness of dark color DP. Ifchanged internal color XTic is light color LP, changed SF color X isdarker than light color LP while principal SF color A may be darker thandark color DP. Importantly, the colors embodying colors A and X can besignificantly varied by changing the light absorption characteristics ofstructure 242 without changing ISCC structure 132.

Different shades of the embodiments of colors A and X occurring in theabsence of ARss light can be created by varying the reflectioncharacteristics of SF structure 242, specifically the wavelength andintensity characteristics of ARss light, without changing ISCC structure132. SF structure 242 thus strongly influences color A or/and color X.

The pressure spreading performable by SF structure 242 enables printarea 118 to closely match OC area 116 in size, shape, and location alongSF zone 112. Structure 242 is a principal pressure-spreading structure.“PS” hereafter means pressure-spreading. Interface 244, spaced apartfrom zone 112 so as to be inside OI structure 240, is a principalinternal PS surface. ISCC structure 132 is a principalpressure-sensitive CC structure because it is sensitive to the excessinternal pressure produced by PS structure 242 along PS surface 244.“PSCC” hereafter means pressure sensitive color-change. ISCC segment 142is similarly a PSCC segment.

For the situation in which IDVC portion 138 temporarily appears as colorX if the excess internal pressure along segment 254 meet the excessinternal pressure criteria, an understanding of the benefits of pressurespreading on PSCC structure 132 is facilitated by first considering whatoccurs during an impact in similar OI structure 130 lacking PS structure242 in the corresponding situation where portion 138 temporarily appearsas color X if the impact meets the basic TH impact criteria. Withreference to FIGS. 6b and 6c respectively corresponding to FIGS. 13b and13 c, the impact creates excess SF pressure along area 116. The THimpact criteria which must be met for IDVC portion 138 to temporarilyappear as color X in response to the impact and which determine thesize, shape, and location of print area 118 along SF zone 112 largelybecome the above-described principal basic excess SF pressure criteriarequiring that the excess SF pressure at a point along zone 112 equal orexceed a local TH value in order for that point to be a TH CM point andtemporarily appear as color X. Since the excess SF pressure drops tozero along the perimeter of OC area 116, print area 118 is locatedinside OC area 116 with the perimeters of areas 116 and 118 separated byperimeter band 120 which appears as color A during the changed statebecause the excess SF pressure at each point in band 120 is less thanthe local TH excess SF pressure value for that point.

Perimeter band 120 generally becomes smaller as the TH excess SFpressure values decrease. This improves the size, shape, and locationmatching between OC area 116 and print area 118. However, reducing theTH excess SF pressure values makes it easier for color change to occuralong SF zone 112 and can result in undesired color change. The area ofband 120 usually cannot be reduced to essentially zero withoutintroducing reliability difficulty into OI structure 130.

Returning to FIGS. 13b and 13 c, PS structure 242 laterally spreads theexcess SF pressure caused by the impact so that DP IF area 256 islaterally larger than OC area 116. An annular band (not labeled) ofinternal PS surface 244 extends between the perimeters of IF area 256and IF segment 254. This band lies opposite a corresponding annular band(not separately indicated) of SF zone 112. The excess internal pressurealong IF area 256 reaches a maximum value within area 256 and drops tozero along its perimeter. This results in the excess internal pressurecriteria not being met in the annular band between the perimeters ofarea 256 and IF segment 254. The corresponding annular band of SF zone112 appears as color A during the changed state. Because area 256 islaterally larger than oppositely situated OC area 116, the size andshape of the annular band of zone 112 can be adjusted to achieve veryclose size, shape, and location matching between OC area 116 and printarea 118. In effect, the pressure spreading enables perimeter band 120between areas 116 and 118 to be made quite small without introducingreliability difficulty into PSCC structure 132. The same arises whenIDVC portion 138 temporarily appears as color X if PSCC segment 142 isprovided with the general CC control signal generated in response to theexcess internal impact criteria being met and sometimes other impactcriteria also being met.

Print area 118, although shown as being smaller than OC area 116 inFIGS. 13b and 13 c, can be larger than it in OI structure 240. Theperimeters of areas 116 and 118 in structure 240 can variously crosseach other. Print area 118 in structure 240 differs usually by no morethan 20%, preferably by no more than 15%, more preferably by no morethan 10%, even more preferably by no more than 5%, in area from OC area116, at least when total OC area 124 is in SF zone 112 as arises in FIG.13 b. In FIG. 13c where area 124 extends beyond zone 112, the samepercentages apply to an imaginary variation of structure 240 in whichzone 112 is extended to encompass all of area 124.

Turning to the protective function, SF structure 242 is located betweenISCC structure 132 and the external environment. This shields structure132 from the external environment. In particular, protective SFstructure 242 is sufficiently thick to materially protect ISCC structure132 from being damaged by most matter impacting, lying on, and/or movingalong SF zone 112 and thereby serves as a protective structure.Protective structure 242, which may be thicker than ISCC structure 132,materially absorbs the shock of matter, including object 104, impactingzone 112. Part of the force exerted by object 104 dissipates instructure 242 so that the force exerted on DP IF area 256 due to theobject impact is less, typically considerably less, than the forceexerted by object 104 directly on OC area 116.

SF structure 242 blocks at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, morepreferably at least 95%, of UV radiation striking it. As a result,structure 242 materially protects ISCC structure 132 from being damagedby UV radiation. DP IF area 256, which is larger than IF segment 254when protective structure 242 performs pressure spreading, is usuallycloser to segment 254 in size if structure 242 performs the protectivefunction but does not (significantly) perform the PS function.

FIGS. 14a-14c (collectively “FIG. 14”) illustrate an embodiment 260 ofOI structure 240. OI structure 260 is also an extension of OI structure180 to include SF structure 242. ISCC structure 132 here is formed withcomponents 182 and 184 configured the same as in OI structure 180. SeeFIG. 14 a. SF structure 242, which meets IS component 182 alonginterface 244, is here configured and operable the same as in OIstructure 240.

ISCC structure 132 here operates the same during the normal state as inOI structure 180 except that light leaving structure 132 via SF zone 112in OI structure 180 leaves structure 132 via interface 244 here. TotalATcc light consists of ARcc light and any AEcc and ARsb light leaving CCcomponent 184. Total ATic light leaving IS component 182, and thusstructure 132, consists of ARcc light passing through component 182, anyAEcc and ARsb light passing through it, and any ARis light reflected byit. Substantial parts of the ARcc light and any AEcc, ARis, and ARsblight pass through SF structure 242. Including any ARss light reflectedby structure 242, A light is formed with ARcc light and any AEcc, ARss,ARis, and ARsb light normally leaving structure 242 and therefore VCregion 106.

The changed-state light processing in ISCC segment 142 here isessentially the same as in OI structure 180 except that light leavingsegment 142 via print area 118 in structure 180 leaves segment 142 viaIF segment 254 here. See FIGS. 14b and 14 c. IS segment 192 provides aprincipal general impact effect if the impact meets the basic TH impactcriteria. The general impact effect is specifically provided in responseto the excess internal pressure along IF segment 254 meeting the basicexcess internal pressure criteria which implement the TH impactcriteria. Total XTcc light consists of XRcc light and any XEcc and XRsblight leaving CC segment 194 in response (a) in some general OIembodiments to the general impact effect or (b) in other general OIembodiments to the general CC control signal generated in response tothe effect sometimes dependent on other impact criteria also being metin those other embodiments. Total XTic light leaving IS segment 192, andthus ISCC segment 142, consists of XRcc light passing through segment192, any XEcc and XRsb light passing through it, and any ARis lightreflected by it. Substantial parts of the XRcc light and any XEcc, ARis,and XRsb light pass through SS segment 252. Including any ARss lightreflected by segment 252, X light is formed with XRcc light and anyXEcc, ARss, ARis, and XRsb light leaving segment 252 and hence IDVCportion 138.

FIGS. 15a-15c (collectively “FIG. 15”), illustrate an embodiment 270 ofOI structure 260 and thus of OI structure 240. OI structure 270 is alsoan extension of OI structure 200 to include SF structure 242. See FIG.15 a. ISCC structure 132 here is formed with IS component 182 and CCcomponent 184 consisting of NA layer 204, NE structure 224, core layer222, FE structure 226, and FA layer 206 configured the same as in OIstructure 200. SF structure 242, which again meets component 182 alonginterface 244, is here configured and operable the same as in OIstructure 260 and thus the same as in OI structure 240.

CC component 184 here operates the same during the normal state as in OIstructure 200. Total ATcc light consists of any ARab, AEab, ARfa, AEfa,ARna, and ARsb light leaving component 184. IS component 182 hereoperates the same during the normal state as in structure 200 exceptthat light leaving component 182 via SF zone 112 in structure 200 leavescomponent 182 via interface 244 here. Total ATic light normally leavingcomponent 182, and thus ISCC structure 132, consists of any ARab, AEab,ARfa, AEfa, ARna, and ARsb light passing through component 182 and anyARis light reflected by it.

Substantial parts of any ARab, AEab, ARfa, AEfa, ARis, ARna, and ARsblight pass through SF structure 242. Including any ARss light normallyreflected by structure 242, A light is formed with any ARab, AEab, ARfa,AEfa, ARss, ARis, ARna, and ARsb light normally leaving structure 242and thus VC region 106. The following normal-state relationships applyhere to the extent that the indicated light species are present: ARab,ARfa, and ARna light form ARcc light; ARab light consists of ARcl, ARne,and ARfe light; AEab and AEfa light form AEcc light; and AEab lightconsists of AEcl light.

ID segments 214, 234, 232, 236, and 216 of respective subcomponents 204,224, 222, 226, and 206 are not labeled in FIG. 15b or 15 c due tospacing limitations. See FIG. 12b or 12 c for identifying segments 214,234, 232, 236, and 216 in FIG. 15b or 15 c. With reference to FIGS. 15band 15 c, IS segment 192 again provides a principal general impacteffect in response to the excess internal pressure along IF segment 254meeting the basic excess internal pressure criteria which implement thebasic TH impact criteria. The changed-state light processing in CCsegment 194 here is then the same as in OI structure 200. Total XTcclight consists of any XRab, XEab, XRfa, XEfa, XRna, and XRsb lightleaving segment 194 in response (a) in some general OI embodiments tothe general impact effect or (b) in the other general OI embodiments tothe general CC control signal generated in response to the effectsometimes dependent on both the TH impact criteria and other criteriabeing met. The changed-state light processing in IS segment 192 here isthe same as in structure 200 except that light leaving segment 192 viaprint area 118 in structure 200 leaves segment 192 via IF segment 254here. Total XTic light leaving segment 192, and thus ISCC segment 142,consists of any XRab, XEab, XRfa, XEfa, XRna, and XRsb light passingthrough segment 192 and any ARis light reflected by it.

Substantial parts of any XRab, XEab, XRfa, XEfa, ARis, XRna, and XRsblight pass through SS segment 252. Including any ARss light reflected bysegment 252, X light is formed with any XRab, XEab, ARfa, XEfa, XRss,ARis, XRna, and XRsb light normally leaving segment 252 and thus IDVCportion 138. The general CC control signal to which core layer 222responds as VC region 106 goes to the changed state can be generated bySF structure 242, IS component 182, or a portion, e.g., NA layer 204, ofCC component 184 in response to the pressure-sensitive general impacteffect. The control signal can also be generated outside VC region 106.The following changed-state relationships apply here to the extent thatthe indicated light species are present: XRab, XRfa, and XRna light formXRcc light; XRab light consists of XRcl, XRne, and XRfe light; XEab andXEfa light form XEcc light; and XEab light consists of XEcl light.

Object-Impact Structure having Deformation-Controlled ExtendedColor-Change Duration

FIGS. 16a-16c (collectively “FIG. 16”) illustrate an extension 280 of OIstructure 130 for which the duration of each temporary color changealong print area 118 is extended in a pre-establisheddeformation-controlled manner. OI structure 280 is configured the sameas structure 130 except that VC region 106 here includes a principalduration-extension structure 282 extending from substructure 134 to meetISCC structure 132 along a flat principal structure-structure interface284 extending parallel to SF zone 112. See FIG. 16 a. “DE” hereaftermeans duration-extension.

Light may pass through ISCC structure 132. If so, DE structure 282 maynormally reflect light, termed ARde light, which leaves it via interface284. If any light passes through structure 282 and strikes substructure134, substructure 134 may reflect ARsb light which passes in substantialpart through structure 282. The total light, termed ATde light, normallyleaving structure 282 via interface 284 consists of any ARde and ARsblight. Substantial parts of any ARde and ARsb light pass throughstructure 132. ARic light reflected by structure 132, any AEic lightemitted by it, and any ARde and ARsb light together normally leaving it,and thus VC region 106, form A light. Each of ADic light and either ARicor AEic light is once again usually a majority component, preferably a75% majority component, more preferably a 90% majority component, of Alight.

VC region 106 deforms along SF DF area 122 in response to object 104impacting OC area 116, “DF” again meaning deformation. See FIG. 16b or16 c. Since SF zone 112 is a surface of ISCC structure 132 in OIstructure 280, ISCC structure 132 directly deforms along DF area 122. Ifthe TH impact criteria are met, i.e., if the SF deformation along area122, specifically print area 118, meets the principal basic SF DFcriteria embodying the principal basic TH impact criteria, the SFdeformation causes IDVC portion 138 to temporarily appear as color X forbase duration Δt_(drbs) as the changed state begins. More particularly,ISCC segment 142 cause portion 138 to change color in response to the SFdeformation if the TH impact criteria are met. Base duration Δt_(drbs)is passively determined largely by the properties of the material inISCC structure 132 operating in response to the SF deformation alongarea 122. In the absence of DE structure 282, CC duration Δt_(dr) wouldbe automatic value Δt_(drau) equal to base duration Δt_(drbs).

DE structure 282 responds to the deformation along SF DF area 122, andthus to the impact, by deforming along an ID principal internal DF area288 of interface 284. If the TH impact criteria are met, the internaldeformation of ISCC structure 132 along ID internal DF area 288, spacedapart from DF area 122 and located opposite it, causes IDVC portion 138to further temporarily appear as color X for extension durationΔt_(drext) so that automatic duration Δt_(drau) is the sum of durationsΔt_(drbs) and Δt_(drext). Subject to the TH impact criteria being met,ISCC segment 142 specifically responds to the internal deformation alongDF area 288 by causing portion 138 to continue temporarily appearing ascolor X. Extension duration Δt_(drext) is passively determined largelyby the properties of the material in DE structure 282 and ISCC structure132 operating in response to the internal deformation along area 288.

Also, item 292 in FIGS. 16b and 16c is the ID segment of DE structure282 present in IDVC portion 138. Item 294 is the ID segment of interface284 present in portion 138. ID IF segment 294 at least partlyencompasses, and at least mostly outwardly conforms to, internal DF area288. FIGS. 16b and 16c depict area 288 as being larger than segment 294because the perimeters of area 288 and segment 294 are usually separatedby a band 298 in which the deformation along interface 284 isinsufficient to meet the TH impact criteria. Internal change sufficientto cause portion 138 to appear as color X occurs along segment 294 butusually not along perimeter band 298. Hence, ISCC segment 142specifically causes portion 138 to continue its color change in responseto the deformation along segment 294.

ISCC structure 132 here can be embodied in many ways including as asingle material consisting of IS CR or CE material which temporarilyreflects X light due to the deformation at DF areas 122 and 288 causedby the impact. The deformation along area 122 or 288 can beimpact-caused compressive deformation or impact-caused vibrationaldeformation whose amplitude rapidly decreases largely to zero. Ifvibrational deformation along area 122 partly or fully causes structure132 to temporarily reflect X light during base duration Δt_(drbs),vibrational deformation along internal area 288 usually partly or fullycauses structure 132 to temporarily reflect X light during extensionduration Δt_(drext).

ID DE segment 292 may reflect light, termed XRde light, which leaves itvia IF segment 294 during the changed state. XRde light can be the sameas, or significantly differ from, ARde light depending on how the lightprocessing in IDVC portion 138 during the changed state differs from thelight processing in VC region 106 during the normal state. If any lightpasses through DE segment 292 so as to strike substructure 134 alongportion 138, substructure 134 may reflect XRsb light which passes insubstantial part through segment 292. The total light, termed XTdelight, temporarily leaving segment 292 via IF segment 294 consists ofany XRde and XRsb light. Substantial parts of any XRde and XRsb lightpass through ISCC segment 142. XRic light reflected by segment 142, anyXEic light emitted by it, and any XRde and XRsb light together leavingit, and thus portion 138, form X light. Each of XDic light and eitherXRic or XEic light is once again usually a majority component,preferably a 75% majority component, more preferably a 90% majoritycomponent, of X light.

FIGS. 17a-17c (collectively “FIG. 17”) illustrate an extension 300 of OIstructure 200, and hence of OI structure 180, for which the duration ofeach color change along print area 118 is extended in a pre-establisheddeformation-controlled manner. VC region 106 of OI structure 300contains a principal DE structure 302 located between overlying IScomponent 182 and underlying CC component 184 so that they are spacedapart from each other. See FIG. 17 a. Direct electrical connectionsbetween components 182 and 184 in structure 200 are generally replacedhere with electrical connections passing through DE structure 302. As inOI structure 200, CC component 184 here consists of auxiliary layers 204and 206 and assembly 202 formed with core layer 222 and electrodestructures 224 and 226. DE structure 302 meets (a) IS component 182along a flat principal near light-transmission interface 304 extendingparallel to SF zone 112 and (b) CC component 184, specifically NA layer204, along a flat principal far light-transmission interface 306likewise extending parallel to zone 112 and thus to interface 304.

CC component 184 here operates the same during the normal state as in OIstructure 200 except that light leaving component 184 via interface 186in structure 200 leaves component 184 via interface 306 here. Total ATcclight consists of ARcc light reflected by component 184, any AEcc lightemitted by it, and any ARsb light passing through it. The followingnormal-state relationships again apply to the extent that the indicatedlight species are present: ARab, ARfa, and ARna light form ARcc light;ARab light consists of ARcl, ARne, and ARfe light; AEab and AEfa lightform AEcc light; and AEab light consists of AEcl light.

Substantial parts of the ARcc light and any AEcc and ARsb light passthrough DE structure 302. Structure 302 may normally reflect ARde light.Total ATde light leaving structure 302 via interface 304 consists ofARcc light and any AEcc, ARde, and ARsb light. Substantial parts of theARcc light and any AEcc, ARde, and ARsb light pass through IS component182. Including any ARis light reflected by component 182, A light isformed with ARcc light and any AEcc, ARis, ARde, and ARsb light normallyleaving component 182 and thus VC region 106. Even though components 182and 184 are spaced apart from each other here, ADcc light and any ARislight still form ADic light consisting of ARic light and any AEic lightfor which ARic light is formed with ARcc light and any ARis light whileAEic light is formed with any AEcc light. Each of ADcc light and eitherARcc or AEcc light is again usually a majority component, preferably a75% majority component, more preferably a 90% majority component, ofeach of A and ADic light.

IS component 182 deforms along SF DF area 122 in response to the impact.See FIG. 17b or 17 c. If the TH impact criteria are met, i.e., if thedeformation along area 122, specifically print area 118, meets theprincipal basic SF DF criteria embodying the principal basic TH impactcriteria, component 182, largely IS segment 192, provides the generalimpact effect, termed the principal general first impact effect. CCsegment 194 responds to the principal general first impact effect bycausing IDVC portion 138 to temporarily appear as color X for baseduration Δt_(drbs), thereby beginning the changed state. DurationΔt_(drbs) is passively determined largely by the properties of (a) thematerial in component 182 operating in response to the SF deformationalong SF DF area 122 and (b) the material in CC component 184 operatingin response to the first general impact effect.

DE structure 302 responds to the deformation along SF DF area 122, andthus to the impact, by deforming along an ID principal internal DF area308 of interface 304. Since interface 304 is also a surface of IScomponent 182, the deformation of structure 302 along ID internal DFarea 308, spaced apart from SF DF area 122 and located opposite it,causes component 182 to deform along area 308. If the TH impact criteriaare met, component 182, again largely IS segment 192, responds to theinternal deformation along area 308 by providing another impact effect,termed the principal general second impact effect, slightly afterproviding the first general impact effect. CC segment 194 responds tothe principal general second impact effect by causing IDVC portion 138to further temporarily appear as color X for extension durationΔt_(drext). Automatic duration Δt_(drau) is again extended from baseduration Δt_(drbs) to the sum of durations Δt_(drbs) and Δt_(drext).Duration Δt_(drext) is passively determined largely by the properties of(a) the material in structure 302 and IS component 182 operating inresponse to the internal deformation along area 308 and/or (b) thematerial in CC component 184 operating in response to the second generalimpact effect.

Also, item 312 in FIGS. 17b and 17c is the ID segment of DE structure302 present in IDVC portion 138. Items 314 and 316 respectively are theID segments of interfaces 304 and 306 present in portion 138. ID IFsegment 314 at least partly laterally encompasses, and at least mostlyoutwardly conforms to, internal DF area 308. FIGS. 17b and 17c depictarea 308 as being larger than IF segment 314 because the perimeters ofarea 308 and segment 314 are usually separated by a band 318 in whichthe deformation along interface 304 is insufficient to meet the THimpact criteria. Internal change sufficient to cause portion 138 toappear as color X occurs along segment 314 but usually not alongperimeter band 318. Accordingly, ISCC segment 142 specifically causesportion 138 to continue its color change in response to the deformationalong segment 314.

Each general impact effect provided by IS segment 192 is typically anelectrical effect consisting of one or more electrical signals suppliedto CC segment 194 via one or more of the above-mentioned electricalconnections through DE structure 302. The deformation along DF area 122or 308 can be impact-caused compressive deformation or impact-causedvibrational deformation whose amplitude eventually decreases largely tozero.

The changed-state light processing in CC segment 194 here is the same asin OI structure 200 except that light leaving segment 194 via IF segment196 in structure 200 leaves it via ID IF segment 316 here. Total XTcclight consists of XRcc light reflected by CC segment 194, any XEcc lightemitted by it, and any XRsb light passing through it. The followingchanged-state relationships again apply to the extent that the indicatedlight species are present: XRab, XRfa, and XRna light form XRcc light;XRab light consists of XRcl, XRne, and XRfe light; XEab and XEfa lightform XEcc light; and XEab light consists of XEcl light.

Substantial parts of the XRcc light and any XEcc and XRsb light passthrough ID DE segment 312. If ARde light is reflected by DE structure302 during the normal state, segment 312 reflects ARde light during thechanged state. Total XTde light leaving segment 312 via IF segment 314consists of XRcc light and any XEcc, ARde, and XRsb light. Substantialparts of the XRcc light and any XEcc, ARde, and XRsb light pass throughIS segment 192. Including any ARis light reflected by segment 192, Xlight is formed with XRcc light and any XEcc, ARis, ARde, and XRsb lightleaving segment 192 and thus IDVC portion 138. The changed-state lightprocessing is the same during both of durations Δt_(drbs) andΔt_(drext).

Additionally, XDcc light and any ARis light still form XDic lightconsisting of XRic light and any XEic light for which XRic light isformed with XRcc light and any ARis light while XEic light is formedwith any XEcc light. Each of XDcc light and either XRcc or XEcc light isagain usually a majority component, preferably a 75% majority component,more preferably a 90% majority component, of each of X and XDic light.

FIGS. 18a-18c (collectively “FIG. 18”) illustrate an extension 320 ofboth OI structure 240 and OI structure 280. OI structure 320 isconfigured the same as structure 280 except that VC region 106 herecontains SF structure 242 extending from SF zone 112 to ISCC structure132 to meet it along interface 244. See FIG. 18 a. Structure 242 here isconfigured and operable the same as in OI structure 240.

ISCC structure 132 and DE structure 282 here operate the same during thenormal state as in OI structure 280 except that light leaving ISCCstructure 132 via SF zone 112 in OI structure 280 leaves structure 132via interface 244 here. Total ATic light consists of ARic lightreflected by structure 132, any AEic light emitted by it, and any ARdeand ARsb light passing through it. Substantial parts of the ARic lightand any AEic, ARde, and ARsb light pass through SF structure 242.Including any ARss light normally reflected by structure 242, A light isformed with ARic light and any AEic, ARss, ARde and ARsb light normallyleaving structure 242 and thus VC region 106. Again, each of ADic lightand either ARic or AEic light is usually a majority component,preferably a 75% majority component, more preferably a 90% majoritycomponent, of A light.

SF structure 242 here deforms along SF DF area 122 in response to theimpact. See FIG. 18b or 18 c. The impact also creates excess SF pressurealong OC area 116. The excess SF pressure is transmitted throughstructure 242 to produce excess internal pressure along DP IF area 256,causing it to deform. Because interface 244 is a surface of ISCCstructure 132 here, structure 132 deforms along area 256. If the THimpact criteria are met, i.e., if the internal deformation along area256, specifically IF segment 254, meets principal basic internal DFcriteria embodying the principal basic TH impact criteria, the internaldeformation causes IDVC portion 138 to temporarily appear as color X forbase duration Δt_(drbs) as the changed state begins. More particularly,ISCC segment 142 responds to the internal deformation along area 256,and thus to the impact-caused SF deformation along area 122, by causingportion 138 to begin temporarily appearing as color X if the TH impactcriteria are met. Duration Δt_(drbs) is passively determined largely bythe properties of the material in SF structure 242 and ISCC structure132 operating in response to the internal deformation along area 256.

DE structure 282 here responds to the internal deformation along DP IFarea 256 by deforming along internal DF area 288 of interface 284. Sinceinterface 284 is a surface of ISCC structure 132, the deformation of DEstructure 282 along area 288 causes ISCC structure 132 to deform alongarea 288. If the TH impact criteria are met, the internal deformation ofstructure 132 along area 288, specifically IF segment 294, causes IDVCportion 138 to further temporarily appear as color X for extensionduration Δt_(drext). Subject to the TH impact criteria being met, ISCCsegment 142 specifically responds to the internal deformation along area288, and thus to the impact, by causing portion 138 to continuetemporarily appearing as color X. Automatic duration Δt_(drau) lengthensto Δt_(drbs)+Δt_(drext). Duration Δt_(drext) is passively determinedlargely by the properties of the material in SF structure 242 and ISCCstructure 132 operating in response to the internal deformation alongarea 288. Internal change sufficient to cause portion 138 to appear ascolor X again occurs along IF segment 294 but usually not alongperimeter band 298 where the deformation is insufficient to meet the THimpact criteria. Consequently, ISCC segment 142 specifically causesportion 138 to continue its color change in response to the deformationalong segment 294.

The changed-state light processing in ISCC segment 142 and DE segment292 here is the same as in OI structure 280 except that light leavingISCC segment 142 via print area 118 in structure 280 leaves segment 142via IF segment 254 here. Total XTic light consists of XRic lightreflected by ISCC segment 142, any XEic light emitted by it, and anyXRde and XRsb light passing through it. Substantial parts of the XRiclight and any XEic, XRde, and XRsb light pass through SS segment 252.Including any ARss light reflected by segment 252, X light is formedwith XRic light and any XEic, ARss, XRde and XRsb light temporarilyleaving segment 252 and thus IDVC portion 138. Again, each of XDic lightand either XRic or XEic light is usually a majority component,preferably a 75% majority component, more preferably a 90% majoritycomponent, of X light.

FIGS. 19a-19c (collectively “FIG. 19”) illustrate an extension 330 ofboth OI structure 270 and OI structure 300. OI structure 330 isconfigured and operable the same as structure 300 except that VC region106 here contains SF structure 242 extending from SF zone 112 to ISCCstructure 132 to meet it, specifically IS component 182, along interface244. See FIG. 19 a. SF structure 242 here is configured and operable thesame as in OI structure 270 and thus the same as in OI structure 240.

IS component 182, DE structure 302, and CC component 184 here operatethe same during the normal state as in OI structure 300 except thatlight leaving IS component 182 via SF zone 112 in structure 300 leavescomponent 182 via interface 244 here. Total ATcc light consists of ARcclight reflected by CC component 184, any AEcc light emitted by it, andany ARsb light passing through it. Total ATic light leaving IS component182, and therefore ISCC structure 132, consists of ARcc light passingthrough component 182 and DE structure 302, any AEcc and ARsb lightpassing through component 182 and structure 302, any ARde light passingthrough component 182, and any ARis light reflected by it. Substantialparts of the ARcc light and any AEcc, ARis, ARde, and ARsb light passthrough SF structure 242. Including any ARss light reflected bystructure 242, A light is formed with ARcc light and any AEcc, ARss,ARis, ARde, and ARsb light normally leaving structure 242 and thus VCregion 106. Each of ADcc light and either ARcc or AEcc light is onceagain usually a majority component, preferably a 75% majority component,more preferably a 90% majority component, of each of A and ADic light.

SF structure 242 here deforms along SF DF area 122 in response to theimpact. See FIG. 19b or 19 c. The attendant excess SF pressure along OCarea 116 is transmitted through structure 242 to produce excess internalpressure along DP IF area 256, causing it to deform. Because interface244 is a surface of IS component 182 here, it deforms along area 256. Ifthe TH impact criteria are met, i.e., if the internal deformation alongarea 256, specifically IF segment 254, meets principal basic internal DFcriteria embodying the principal basic TH impact criteria, component182, likewise largely IS segment 192, provides the general impacteffect, again termed the principal general first impact effect. CCsegment 194 responds to the principal general first impact effect bycausing IDVC portion 138 to temporarily appear as color X for baseduration Δt_(drbs), thereby beginning the changed state. DurationΔt_(drbs) is passively determined largely by the properties of (a) thematerial in structure 242 and component 182 operating in response to theinternal deformation along area 256 and (b) the material in CC component184 operating in response to the first general impact effect.

DE structure 302 here responds to the internal deformation along DP IFarea 256 by deforming along internal DF area 308 of interface 304.Because interface 304 is a surface of IS component 182, the deformationof structure 302 along area 308 causes component 182 to deform. If theTH impact criteria are met, component 182, largely IS segment 192,provides another impact effect, again termed the principal generalsecond impact effect. CC segment 194 responds to the principal generalsecond impact effect by further temporarily appearing as color X forextension duration Δt_(drext). Automatic duration Δt_(drau) is againlengthened to Δt_(drbs)+Δt_(drext). Duration Δt_(drext) is passivelydetermined by the properties of (a) the material in structure 302 andcomponent 182 operating in response to the internal deformation alongarea 308 and/or (b) the material in CC component 184 operating inresponse to the second general impact effect. Internal change sufficientto cause IDVC portion 138 to appear as color X again occurs along IFsegment 314 but usually not along perimeter band 318 where thedeformation is insufficient to meet the TH impact criteria. Hence, ISCCsegment 142 specifically causes portion 138 to continue its color changein response to the deformation along segment 314.

The changed-state light processing in IS segment 192, DE segment 312,and CC segment 194 here is the same as in OI structure 300 except thatlight leaving IS segment 192 via print area 118 in structure 300 leavessegment 192 via IF segment 254 here. Total XTcc light consists of XRcclight reflected by CC segment 194, any XEcc light emitted by it, and anyXRsb light passing through it. Total XTic light leaving IS segment 192,and thus ISCC segment 142, consists of XRcc light passing through ISsegment 192 and DE segment 312, any XEcc and XRsb light passing throughsegments 192 and 312, any ARde light passing through IS segment 192, andany ARis light reflected by it. Substantial parts of the XRcc light andany XEcc, ARis, ARde, and XRsb light pass through SS segment 252.Including any ARss light reflected by segment 252, X light is formedwith XRcc light and any XEcc, ARss, ARis, ARde and XRsb lighttemporarily leaving segment 252 and therefore IDVC portion 138. Each ofXDcc light and either XRcc or XEcc light is once again usually amajority component, preferably a 75% majority component, more preferablya 90% majority component, of each of X and XDic light.

Equation-Form Summary of Light Relationships

Given below is an equation-form summary of the potential lightrelationships along SF zone 112 during the normal and changed states foran embodiment of OI structure 100 in which VC region 106 contains (a)ISCC structure 132 formed with IS component 182 and CC component 184consisting of NA layer 204, FA layer 206, and assembly 202 consisting ofsubcomponents 222, 224, and 226, (b) possibly SF structure 242, and (c)possibly DE structure 282 or 302 where the alphabetic notation used inthese equations means the light described above using the same notation,e.g., “A” and “XDcc” in the equations respectively mean A light and XDcclight and where “XRde/ARde” means “XRde” for DE segment 292 and “ARde”for DE segment 312. Each term in these equations is the normalizedspectral radiosity for the light species identified by that term. Lightabsorption by a region, e.g., SF structure 242 or SS segment 252,situated between ISCC structure 132 and zone 112 is ignored with regardto emitted light.

I. Equations for normal state:

-   SF structure 242, DE structure 282 or 302, ISCC structure 132, and    substructure 134:

A=ARss+ARde+ADic+ARsb   (B1)

where ADic=ARic+AEic

-   ISCC structure 132 consisting of IS component 182 and CC component    184:

ADic=ARis+ADcc   (B2)

where ADcc=ARcc+AEcc

-   SF structure 242, IS component 182, DE structure 282 or 302, CC    component 184, and substructure 134:

A=ARss+ARis+ARde+ADcc+ARsb   (B3)

CC component 184 consisting of NA layer 204, assembly 202, and FA layer206:

ADcc=ARna+ADab+ADfa   (B4)

where ADab=ARab+AEab, and ADfa=ARfa+AEfa

-   Assembly 202 consisting of NE structure 224, core layer 222, and FE    structure 226:

ADab=ARab+AEab=ARne+ADcl+ARfe   (B5)

where ARab=ARne+ARcl+ARfe, AEab=AEcl, and ADcl=ARcl+AEcl

-   Combination of normal-state equations:

A=ARss+ARde+ARis+ARna+ARne+ARcl+AEcl+ARfe+ARfa+AEfa+ARsb   (B6)

II. Equations for changed state:

-   SS segment 252, DE segment 292 or 312, ISCC segment 142, and segment    of substructure 134 along IDVC portion 138:

X=ARss+XRde/ARde+XDic+XRsb   (B7)

where XDic=XRic+XEic

-   ISCC segment 142 consisting of IS segment 192 and CC segment 194:

XDic=ARis+XDcc   (B8)

where XDcc=XRcc+XEcc

-   SS segment 252, IS segment 192, DE segment 292 or 312, CC segment    194, and segment of substructure 134 along IDVC portion 138:

X=ARss+ARis+XRde/ARde+XDcc+XRsb   (B9)

CC segment 194 consisting of NA segment 214, AB segment 212, and FAsegment 216:

XDcc=XRna+XDab+XDfa   (B10)

where XDab=XRab+XEab, and XDfa=XRfa+XEfa

-   AB segment 212 consisting of NE segment 234, core segment 232, and    FE segment 236:

XDab=XRab+XEab=XRne+XDcl+XRfe   (B11)

where XRab=XRne+XRcl+XRfe, XEab=XEcl, and XDcl=XRcl+XEcl

-   Combination of changed-state equations:

X=ARss+XRde/ARde+ARis+XRna+XRne+XRcl+XEcl+XRfe+XRfa+XEfa+XRsb   (B12)

Light not present in an embodiment of OI structure 100 is to be deletedfrom these equations in particularizing them to that embodiment. Theradiosities of ARss, ARis, ARde, ARna, ARne, ARfe, ARsb, XRna, XRne,XRfe, and XRsb light are preferably as low as feasible. This providesflexibility in choosing colors A and X and their components. Theradiosities of these eleven light species can variously be set to zeroso as to correspondingly eliminate them from the above equations and thedescription of OI structure 100 and its embodiments to providesimplifying approximations for design purposes.

Transmissivity Specifications

The transmissivity (or transmittance) of (a) SF structure 242 (ifpresent) at one or more thickness locations along it to light incidentperpendicularly on SF zone 112 at at least wavelengths of ADic and XDiclight for them respectively being majority components of A and X light,(b) IS component 182 at one or more thickness locations along it tolight incident perpendicularly on zone 112 at at least wavelengths ofADcc and XDcc light for them respectively being majority components of Aand X light, (c) DE structure 302 (if present) at one or more thicknesslocations along it to light incident perpendicularly on zone 112 at atleast wavelengths of ADab, ADfa, XDab, and XDfa to the extent presentfor either ADab or ADfa light being a majority component of A light andfor either XDab or XDfa light being a majority component of X light, (d)NA layer 204 (if present) at one or more thickness locations along it tolight incident perpendicularly on zone 112 at at least wavelengths ofADab, ADfa, XDab, and XDfa light to the extent present for either ADabor ADfa light being a majority component of A light and for either XDabor XDfa light being a majority component of X light, and (e) NEstructure 224 at one or more thickness locations along it to lightincident perpendicularly on zone 112 at at least wavelengths of ADcl,ADfa, XDcl, and XDfa light to the extent present for either ADcl or ADfalight being a majority component of A light and for either XDcl or XDfalight being a majority component of X light is usually at least 40%,preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 80%, even morepreferably at least 90%, yet further preferably at least 95%.

The composite transmissivity of (a) the combination of SF structure 242(if present) and IS component 182 at one or more thickness locationsalong that combination to light incident perpendicularly on SF zone 112at at least wavelengths of ADcc and XDcc light, (b) the combination ofstructure 242 (if present), component 182, and DE structure 302 (ifpresent) at one or more thickness locations along that combination tolight incident perpendicularly on zone 112 at at least wavelengths ofADab, ADfa, XDab, and XDfa light to the extent present, (c) thecombination of structure 242 (if present), component 182, and NA layer204 (if present) at one or more thickness locations along thatcombination to light incident perpendicularly on zone 112 at at leastwavelengths of ADab, ADfa, XDab, and XDfa light to the extent present,and (d) the combination of structure 242 (if present), component 182,layer 204 (if present), and NE structure 224 at one or more thicknesslocations along that combination to light incident perpendicularly onzone 112 at at least wavelengths of ADcl, ADfa, XDcl, and XDfa light tothe extent present is usually at least 30%, preferably at least 50%,more preferably at least 70%, even more preferably at least 80%, yetfurther preferably at least 90%.

Some of the present OI structures may be embodied to allow light to passthrough one or more thickness locations of assembly 202 at certain timesbut not at other times during regular operation. Light then passesthrough one or more corresponding thickness locations of core layer 222and FE structure 226 at certain times but not at other times. When suchan assembly or core/FE-structure thickness location is lighttransmissive, the transmissivity of each of assembly 202, layer 222, andstructure 226 to light incident perpendicularly on SF zone 112 at atleast wavelengths of ADfa and XDfa light for either ARfa or ARfe lightbeing a majority component of A light and for either XRfa or XRfe lightbeing a majority component of X light is usually at least 60%,preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, even morepreferably at least 90%, yet further preferably at least 95%, along thatthickness location. The composite transmissivity of the combination ofSF structure 242 (if present), IS component 182, NA layer 204 (ifpresent), and assembly 202 or the combination of structure 242 (ifpresent), component 182, layer 204 (if present), NE structure 224, corelayer 222, and FE structure 226 to light incident perpendicularly onzone 112 at at least wavelengths of ADfa and XDfa light is usually atleast 30%, preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 70%, evenmore preferably at least 80%, yet further preferably at least 90%, alongsuch an assembly or core thickness location when it is lighttransmissive.

Each component of each of the preceding light species for which atransmissivity specification is given above also meets thattransmissivity specification.

Manufacture of Object-Impact Structure

OI structure 100, including each embodiment 130, 180, 200, 240, 260,270, 280, 300, 320, or 330, can be manufactured in various ways. In onemanufacturing process, the materials of VC region 106 and FC region 108are deposited on substructure 134. In another manufacturing process, thematerial of one of color regions 106 and 108 is deposited onsubstructure 134, and the other of regions 106 and 108 is formedseparately and then attached to substructure 134. In a furthermanufacturing process, regions 106 and 108 are formed separately andlater attached to substructure 134. Where feasible, the materials ofregions 106 and 108 consist of polymer in order to provide them withimpact resistance and bending flexibility.

In each manufacturing process where color region 106 or 108 is formedseparately, region 106 or 108 may be fabricated as a relatively rigidstructure or as a significantly bendable structure capable of, e.g.,being rolled on substructure 134. In each manufacturing process where VCregion 106 consists of two or more subregions, such as components 182and 184, one of the subregions is typically initially fabricated. Eachother subregion is then typically formed over the initially fabricatedsubregion.

FIGS. 20a and 20b present side cross sections of a more easilymanufacturable variation 340 of OI structure 100. OI structure 340 isconfigured the same as OI structure 130 except that structure 340 lacksFC region 108. Instead, OI substructure 134 is externally exposed to theside(s) of VC region 106. The absence of region 108 in structure 340enables it to be manufactured more easily than structure 100.

The surface of the exposed portion of substructure 134 is indicated asitem 342 and is termed the exposed substructure SF zone. Due to theabsence of FC region 108, VC region 106 is externally exposed along aprincipal side SF zone 344 extending from VC SF zone 112 to exposedsubstructure SF zone 342. Side SF zone 344 is shown in FIGS. 20a and 20bas being flat and extending perpendicular to SF zones 112 and 342.However, zone 344 can be significantly curved. Also, even if zone 344 isflat, it can extend significantly non-perpendicular to zones 112 and342. Zones 112, 342, and 344 form surface 102 here.

Substructure 134 appears along substructure SF zone 342 as asubstructure color A″. VC region 106 appears alongside SF zone 344 as aside color A. Each color A″ or A″′ is often the same as, but can differsignificantly from, color A. If region 106 consists of multiplesubregions extending to zone 344, color A″′ can be a group of differentcolors. Alternatively, region 106 may include a generally homogeneouslayer (not shown) whose outer surface largely forms zone 344 so thatcolor A″′ is usually a single color often the same as color A.

VC region 106 here operates the same as in OI structure 130. FIG. 20 a,corresponding to FIG. 6 a, shows how OI structure 340 normally appears.FIG. 20 b, corresponding to FIG. 6 b, presents an example in whichobject 104 contacts surface 102 fully within SF zone 112.

FIGS. 21a and 21b present side cross sections of an embodiment 350 of OIstructure 340 and thus a more easily manufacturable variation of OIstructure 100. ISCC structure 132 here consists of IS component 182 andCC component 184 formed with auxiliary layers 204 and 206 and assembly202 consisting of subcomponents 224, 222, and 226 arranged as in OIstructure 200.

VC region 106 here operates the same as in OI structure 200. FIG. 21 a,corresponding to FIG. 12 a, shows how OI structure 350 normally appears.FIG. 21 b, corresponding to FIG. 12 b, presents an example in whichobject 104 contacts surface 102 fully within SF zone 112. ID segments214, 234, 232, 236, and 216 of respective subcomponents 204, 224, 222,226, and 206 are not labeled in FIG. 21b due to spacing limitations. SeeFIG. 12b for identifying segments 214, 234, 232, 236, and 216 in FIG. 21b.

Analogous to OI structures 340 and 350, other more easily manufacturablevariations of OI structure 100 are configured the same as OI structures180, 200, 240, 260, 270, 280, 300, 320, and 330 except that each ofthese other variations lacks FC region 108. VC region 106 in each suchvariation of structure 180, 200, 240, 260, 270, 280, 300, 320, or 330operates the same as in that OI structure. Structures 340 and 350 andthese other variations of structure 100 are suitable for applications inwhich region 106 is sufficiently thin that the distance from SF zone 112to substructure SF zone 342 does not significantly affect structureusage.

A wedge is optionally placed alongside SF zone 344 to produce arelatively gradual transition from SF zone 112 to substructure SF zone342 if the distance from zone 112 to zone 342 would detrimentally affectstructure usage. The wedge dimension along zone 342 usually exceeds thewedge dimension along zone 344. The wedge can be of roughly righttriangular cross section with the longest surface extendingapproximately from zone 342 to the intersection of zones 112 and 344.The wedge can be truncated slightly where the longest surface wouldotherwise meet zone 342.

A removable protective cover can be placed over SF zone 112 of each ofOI structures 180, 200, 240, 260, 270, 280, 300, 320, 330, 340, and 350,including the wedge-containing variations, when that OI structure is notin use for reducing damage that it would otherwise incur if not soprotected. The protective cover is removed before the OI structure isused and reinstalled after use is completed.

If the protective cover could be a safety risk, each OI structure 180,200, 240, 260, 270, 280, 300, 320, or 330 is mounted in a cavity alongsurface 102 so that the exposed surface of the cover is approximatelycoplanar with surface 102 along the cavity opening. SF zone 112 thenlies below the cavity opening at least when the OI structure is not inuse. Although zone 112 can remain below the cavity opening when the OIstructure is in use, the OI structure is preferably provided withapparatus, usually located at least partly along substructure 134, forenabling the OI structure to be moved toward the cavity opening so thatzone 112 is approximately coplanar with surface 102 along the cavityopening when the OI structure is in use. The cover is removed shortlybefore or after the movement is performed. After usage is complete, theOI structure is returned to the cavity, and the cover is reinstalledover the OI structure.

Object-Impact Structure with Print Area at Least Partly around UnchangedArea

FIGS. 5b and 5c present, as described above, examples of object 104impacting OC area 116 in OI structure 100 such that print area 118consists of the area within perimeter band 120. In contrast, FIGS. 22aand 22b depict what occurs along surface 102 of structure 100 whenobject 104 contacts surface 102 such that area 118 lies at least partlyaround a generally unchanged area 360 of SF zone 112. Area 118 in FIGS.22a and 22b has an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter relative tothe area's center. VC region 106 appears along unchanged area 360 ascolor A, rather than as color X, when the IDVC portion (138) temporarilyappears as color X.

Unchanged area 360 can arise due to various phenomena such as the shapeof object 104, the momentum with which it impacts SF zone 112, anddeformation that it may undergo in impacting zone 112. If object 104 hasa depression along its outer surface at the location where it contactszone 112, area 360 can arise if the momentum of the impact isinsufficient to cause the entire surface of the depression to contactzone 112 with sufficient force to meet the principal TH impact criteria.Deformation incurred by object 104 in impacting zone 112 can be of sucha nature as to result in area 360.

FIG. 22 a, analogous to FIG. 5 b, presents an example in which object104 impacts surface 102 fully within VC SF zone 112. Print area 118 inFIG. 22a fully surrounds unchanged area 360 and is shaped like a fullyannular band. Area 118 in FIG. 22a thus fully outwardly conforms to OCarea 116 but does not fully inwardly conform to it. Areas 116 and 118are, nonetheless, largely concentric.

FIG. 22 b, analogous to FIG. 5 c, presents an example in which object104 contacts surface 102 partly within VC SF zone 112 and partly withinFC SF zone 114 in the same impact. In this example, print area 118 liespartly around unchanged area 360 and is shaped like a partially annularband. With OC area 116 extending along part of the SF edge of interface110 here, print area 118 extends along only a fraction of that SF edgeinterface part. Area 118 in FIG. 22b outwardly conforms mostly, but notfully, to OC area 116 and does not inwardly conform mostly to it. Areas116 and 118 here are largely concentric.

FIGS. 23a and 23b respectively corresponding to FIGS. 22a and 22b areside cross sections illustrating what occurs in embodiment 130 of OIstructure 100 when object 104 contacts surface 102 so that print area118 lies at least partly around unchanged area 360 of VC SF zone 112.The presence of area 360 causes IDVC portion 138 to have a shapematching that of print area 118. Hence, portion 138 is shaped like afull hollow cylinder in FIG. 23a and like a partial hollow cylinder inFIG. 23 b. Each of OC areas 116 and 124 and SF DF area 122 is shapedlike a fully annular band in FIG. 23 a. In FIGS. 23 b, each of areas 116and 122 and OC area 126 is shaped like a partially annular band whiletotal OC area 124 is shaped like a fully annular band. Portion 138 andareas 116, 122, and 124 and, when present, area 126 have the same shapesin embodiments 180, 200, 240, 260, 270, 280, 300, 320, and 330 ofstructure 100.

Configurations of Impact-Sensitive Color-Change Structure

FIGS. 24a and 24b depict two embodiments of ISCC structure 132 suitablefor OI structure 180, 200, 260, 270, 300, or 330. Each electrical effectmentioned below consists of one or more electrical signals. In FIG. 24a, IS component 182 contains piezoelectric structure 370. For OIstructure 180, 200, 260, or 270, the segment of piezoelectric structure370 in IS segment 192 provides the general impact effect as anelectrical effect in response to pressure, specifically excess SFpressure, of object 104 impacting OC area 116 if the impact meets the THimpact criteria. The electrical effect is supplied from structure 370along an electrical path 372 to CC component 184, specifically CCsegment 194.

For OI structure 300 or 330, the segment of piezoelectric structure 370in IS segment 192 provides the first general impact effect as anelectrical effect in response to deformation along SF DF area 122 due topressure, specifically excess SF pressure, caused by object 104impacting OC area 116. The segment of structure 370 in segment 192similarly provides the second general impact effect as an electricaleffect in response to deformation along internal DF area 308 caused bypressure, specifically excess internal pressure, exerted by DE structure302 on area 308 due to the impact. Both electrical effects are suppliedalong path 372 to CC segment 194.

IS component 182 in FIG. 24b contains piezoelectric structure 374 andeffect-modifying structure 376. For OI structure 180, 200, 260, or 270,the segment of piezoelectric structure 374 in IS segment 192 provides aninitial electrical effect along an electrical path 378 toeffect-modifying structure 376, largely the segment of structure 376 inIS segment 192, in response to pressure, specifically excess SFpressure, of the impact. Structure 376, likewise largely the structuresegment in segment 192, modifies the initial electrical effect toproduce the general impact effect as a modified electrical effectsupplied to CC segment 194 along path 372.

For OI structure 300 or 330, the segment of piezoelectric structure 374in IS segment 192 provides an initial first electrical effect inresponse to deformation along SF DF area 122 due to pressure,specifically excess SF pressure, caused by the impact. The segment ofstructure 374 in segment 192 similarly provides an initial secondelectrical effect in response to deformation along internal DF area 308due to pressure, specifically excess internal pressure, exerted by DEstructure 302 on area 308 caused by the impact. Both initial electricaleffects are supplied along path 378 to effect-modifying structure 376,largely the structure segment in IS segment 192. Structure 376, againlargely the structure segment in segment 192, modifies the initial firstand second electrical effects to produce the first and second generalimpact effects respectively as modified first and second electricaleffects supplied to CC segment 194 along path 372.

Effect-modifying structure 376 usually modifies the voltage or/andcurrent of each initial electrical effect to produce the resultantmodified electrical effect at modified voltage or/and current suitablefor CC component 184. Structure 376 may amplify, or attenuate, thevoltage or/and current of each initial electrical effect as well asshifting its voltage level(s).

FIGS. 25a and 25b depict two embodiments of ISCC structure 132 suitablefor OI structure 200, 270, 300, or 330. In FIG. 25 a, IS component 182contains piezoelectric structure 370 arranged and operable the same asin FIG. 24 a. CC component 184 in FIG. 25a contains assembly 202 formedwith subcomponents 222, 224, and 226. Auxiliary layers 204 and 206,neither shown in FIG. 25 a, may be present in component 184 of FIG. 25a.

ISCC structure 132 in FIG. 25a converts the electrical effect on path372 into principal general CC control signal V_(nfC) formed by thedifference between CC values V_(nC) and V_(fC). Although FIG. 25aillustrates this conversion as occurring within CC component 184, theconversion may occur earlier in the signal processing. Control signalV_(nfC) is applied between electrode structures 224 and 226 so that nearCC value V_(nC) is present at the VA location in the segment of theelectrode layer in NE segment 234, and far CC value V_(fC) is present atthe VA location in the segment of the electrode layer in FE segment 236.

IS component 182 in FIG. 25b consists of piezoelectric structure 374 andeffect-modifying structure 376 arranged and operable the same as in FIG.24 b. CC component 184 in FIG. 25b contains assembly 202 arranged andoperable the same as in FIG. 25 a. Although FIG. 25b illustrate theconversion of the electrical effect on path 372 into general CC controlsignal V_(nfC) as occurring within component 184, this conversion mayoccur earlier in the signal processing. In particular, structure 376 inFIG. 25b may perform the conversion.

Piezoelectric structure 370 or 374 can be any one or more of numerouspiezoelectric materials such as ammonium dihydrogen phosphate NH₄H₂P0₄,potassium dihydrogen phosphate KH₂PO₄, monocrystalline orpolycrystalline barium titanate BaTiO₃, lead zirconium titanatePbZr_(x)Ti_(1-x)O₃, lead lanthanum zirconium titanatePb_(1-y)La_(y)(Zr_(x)Ti_(1-x))_(1-0.25y)Vac_(0.25y)O₃ where Vac meansvacancy, polyvinylidene fluoride (CH₂CF₂)_(n), quartz (silicon dioxide)SiO₂, and zinc oxide. These piezoelectric materials and others arepresented in “Piezoelectricity”, Wikipedia,en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piezoelectricity, 28 Feb. 2013, 11 pp., and thereferences cited therein, contents incorporated by reference herein.

Pictorial Views of Color Changing by Light Reflection and Emission

FIGS. 26a and 26b depict how color changing occurs by light reflectionin VC region 106 of OI structure 130 or 340. FIGS. 27a and 27b depicthow color changing occurs by light reflection in region 106 of OIstructure 180. FIGS. 28a and 28b depict how color changing occurs bylight reflection in some embodiments of region 106 of OI structure 200or 350. FIGS. 29a and 29b depict how color changing occurs by lightreflection in region 106 of OI structure 240. FIGS. 30a and 30b depicthow color changing occurs by light reflection in region 106 of OIstructure 260. FIGS. 31a and 31b depict how color changing occurs bylight reflection in some embodiments of region 106 of OI structure 270.

The normal state is presented in FIGS. 26 a, 27 a, 28 a, 29 a, 30 a, and31 a where arrows 380 directed toward VC region 106 from above SF zone112 represent rays of light striking region 106. Incident light 380consists of a mixture of wavelengths across at least one relativelybroad part of the visible spectrum. Incident broad-spectrum light 380typically consists of an appropriate mixture of wavelengths across theentire visible spectrum so as to form light, termed “white light”,further labeled with the letter W. Implementing light 380 with whitelight provides great flexibility in choosing color A. Nevertheless,light 380 can be significantly non-white light.

Arrows 382 directed away from VC region 106 along SF zone 112 in FIG. 26a, 27 a, 28 a, 29 a, 30 a, or 31 a represent rays of A light leavingregion 106. Region 106 reflects part of light 380 and absorbs or/andtransmits, preferably absorbs, the remainder of light 380. No internallyemitted light leaves region 106 via zone 112 in FIG. 26 a, 27 a, 28 a,29 a, 30 a, or 31 a. A light 382 consists nearly entirely of thereflected part of light 380.

A light 382 usually has multiple components as described above but, forsimplicity, not indicated in FIG. 26 a, 27 a, 28 a, 29 a, 30 a, or 31 a.In FIG. 26 a, the light reflection to form most of light 382 can occuralong or/and below SF zone 112. The places where the arrows representinglight 382 originate in FIGS. 27 a, 28 a, 29 a, 30 a, and 31 a indicatethe minimum depths below zone 112 at which light forming most of light382 is reflected. The light reflection forming most of light 382 in FIG.27a occurs along or/and below interface 186. In FIGS. 28a and 31 a,items 384 in core layer 222 are examples of particles off which part ofbroad-spectrum light 380 reflects to form most of light 382.

The changed state is presented in FIGS. 26 b, 27 b, 28 b, 29 b, 30 b,and 31 b. During the changed state, IDVC portion 138 temporarilyreflects part of broad-spectrum light 380 to form reflected light 386whose rays are represented by arrows leaving portion 138. Portion 138absorbs or/and transmits, preferably absorbs, the remainder of light 380striking it. No internally emitted light leaves portion 138 via printarea 118 in FIG. 26 b, 27 b, 28 b, 29 b, 30 b, or 31 b. X light thusconsists nearly entirely of reflected light 386. Also, the remainder ofVC region 106 continues to reflect A light 382.

Reflected X light 386 usually has multiple components as described abovebut, for simplicity, not shown in FIG. 26 b, 27 b, 28 b, 29 b, 30 b, or31 b. In FIG. 26 b, the light reflection to form most of light 386 canoccur along or/and below print area 118. The places where the arrowsrepresenting light 386 originate in FIGS. 27 b, 28 b, 29 b, 30 b, and 31b indicate the minimum depths below area 118 at which light forming mostof light 386 is reflected. The light reflection forming most of light386 in FIG. 27b occurs along or/and below IF segment 196.

Referring to FIGS. 28b and 31 b, items 388 in ID segment 232 of corelayer 222 are examples of selected ones of particles 384. Selectedparticles 388 have translated or/and rotated so that part ofbroad-spectrum light 380 striking particles 388 reflects to form most oflight 386. For exemplary purposes, FIGS. 28b and 31b depict particles388 as being adjacent to NE segment 234 and thus averagely remote fromFE segment 236 as arises in the version of the mid-reflection embodimentof CC component 184 where layer 222 contains charged particles of onecolor distributed in a fluid of another color. Nevertheless, selectedparticles 388 can translate or/and rotate as described above for any ofthe other versions of the mid-reflection embodiment of component 184.

FIGS. 32a and 32b depict how color changing occurs primarily by lightemission in VC region 106 of OI structure 130 or 340. FIGS. 33a and 33bdepict how color changing occurs primarily by light emission in region106 of OI structure 180. FIGS. 34a and 34b depict how color changingoccurs primarily by light emission in region 106 of OI structure 200 or350. FIGS. 35a and 35b depict how color changing occurs primarily bylight emission in region 106 of OI structure 240. FIGS. 36a and 36bdepict how color changing occurs primarily by light emission in region106 of OI structure 260. FIGS. 37a and 37b depict how color changingoccurs primarily by light emission in region 106 of OI structure 270.

The normal state is presented in FIGS. 32 a, 33 a, 34 a, 35 a, 36 a, and37 a where the arrows representing rays of broad-spectrum light 380 areshown in dotted line because change in the reflection of part of light380 is usually a secondary contributor to color changing. Arrows 392directed away from VC region 106 along SF zone 112 represent A lightleaving region 106. Region 106 again reflects part of light 380 andabsorbs or/and transmits, preferably absorbs, the remainder of light380. However, internally emitted light can leave region 106 via zone 112during the normal state. A light 392 consists of the reflected part oflight 380 and any such emitted light.

A light 392 usually has multiple components as described above but, forsimplicity, not shown in FIG. 32 a, 33 a, 34 a, 35 a, 36 a, or 37 a. Thelocations where the arrows representing light 392 originate in FIGS. 32a, 33 a, 34 a, 35 a, 36 a, and 37 a indicate depths below SF zone 112 atwhich any emitted part of light 392 can be emitted. Because nosignificant amount of light emission may occur during the normal state,the arrows representing light 392 are shown in dashed line extendingfrom their potential emission-origination locations upward to thelocations of the minimum depths below zone 112 at which reflected lightin light 392 is reflected. The arrows representing light 392 in FIG. 32aare shown in dashed line extending from zone 112 to underlying locationsbecause any emitted light in light 392 is usually emitted below zone112. In FIGS. 34a and 37 a, the arrows representing light 392 are shownwithout dashed-line as originating at the interface between FE structure226 and FA layer 206 because (i) reflected light in light 392 can bereflected at that interface and (ii) any emitted light in light 392 canbe emitted by layer 206.

The changed state is presented in FIGS. 32 b, 33 b, 34 b, 35 b, 36 b,and 37 b. Arrows 396 directed away from IDVC portion 138 along printarea 118 represent X light leaving portion 138. X light 396 consists ofa reflected part of broad-spectrum light 380 striking portion 138 andusually light emitted by it. Portion 138 absorbs or/and transmits,preferably absorbs, the remainder of light 380 striking it. When X light396 contains light emitted by portion 138, the emitted light usuallyforms most of light 396. The remainder of VC region 106 continues toreflect A light 392.

X light 396 usually has multiple components as described above, but forsimplicity, not indicted in FIG. 32 b, 33 b, 34 b, 35 b, 36 b, or 37 b.The locations where the arrows representing light 396 originate in FIGS.32 b, 33 b, 34 b, 35 b, 36 b, and 37 b indicate depths below print area118 at which the emitted part, if any, of light 396 can be emitted.Because no significant amount of light emission sometimes occurs duringthe changed state, the arrows representing light 396 are shown in dashedline extending from their potential emission-origination locationsupward to the locations of the minimum depths below area 118 at whichreflected light in light 396 is reflected. The arrow representing light396 in FIG. 32b is shown in dashed line extending from area 118 to anunderlying location because any emitted light in light 396 is usuallyemitted below area 118. In FIGS. 34b and 37 b, the arrows representinglight 396 are shown without dashed line as originating at the interfacebetween FE segment 236 and FA segment 216 because (i) reflected light inlight 396 can be reflected at that interface and (ii) any emitted lightin light 396 can be emitted by segment 216.

Object-Impact Structure with Cellular Arrangement

FIGS. 38a and 38b (collectively “FIG. 38”) depict the layout of ageneral embodiment 400 of OI structure 100 in which VC region 106 isallocated into a multiplicity, at least four, usually at least 100,typically thousands to millions, of principal independently operable VCcells 404 arranged laterally in a layer as a two-dimensional array, eachVC cell 404 extending to a corresponding part 406 of SF zone 112. Thedotted lines in FIG. 38 indicate interfaces between SF parts 406 ofadjacent cells 404. The general layout of OI structure 400 is shown inFIG. 38 a. FIG. 38b depicts an example of color change that occurs alongsurface 102 upon being impacted by object 104 indicated in dashed lineat a location subsequent to impact. Each cell 404 functions as a pixelcell, its SF part 406 being a pixel.

VC cells 404 consist of (a) peripheral cells along the lateral periphery408 of VC region 106, each peripheral cell having sides respectivelyadjoining sides of at least two other peripheral cells, and (b) interiorcells spaced apart from lateral periphery 408, each interior cell havingsides respectively adjoining sides of at least four other cells 404.Cells 404, usually arrayed in rows and columns across region 106, arepreferably identical but can variously differ. The row and columndirections respectively are the horizontal and vertical directions inFIG. 38. Peripheral cells 404 may sometimes differ from interior cells404. Cell SF parts 406 are usually shaped like polygons, preferablyquadrilaterals, more preferably rectangles, typically squares as shownin the example of FIG. 38. For rectangles, including squares, each cellcolumn extends perpendicular to each cell row. Other shapes for SF parts406 are discussed below in regard to FIGS. 87a and 87 b.

Cells 404 appear along their parts 406 of SF zone 112 as principal colorA during the normal state, A light normally leaving each cell 404 alongits SF part 406. See FIG. 38 a. A cell 404 is a principal CM cell if ittemporarily appears as changed color X along its part 406 of zone 112 asa result of object 104 impacting OC area 116, X light temporarilyleaving each CM cell 404 along its part 406 of print area 118 during thechanged state. See FIG. 38 b. Again, “CM” means criteria-meeting. OCarea 116 is again capable of being of substantially arbitrary shape.Recitations hereafter of (a) cells 404 normally appearing as color Amean that they normally so appear along their parts 406 of zone 112 and(b) a CM cell 404 temporarily appearing as color X means that ittemporarily so appears along its part 406 of area 118.

Each cell 404 that meets principal cellular TH impact criteria inresponse to object 104 impacting OC area 116 is a principal TH CM cell.The principal cellular TH impact criteria embody the principal basic THimpact criteria. Since the principal basic TH impact criteria can varywith where print area 118 occurs in SF zone 112, the cellular TH impactcriteria can vary with where each cell's SF part 406 occurs in zone 112.In some cellular OI embodiments, each TH CM cell 404 temporarily appearsas color X during the changed state. In other cellular OI embodiments,other impact criteria must also be met for a TH CM cell 404 to appear ascolor X during the changed state. Each such TH CM cell 404 then becomesa principal full CM cell, sometimes simply a CM cell.

Also, a cell 404 significantly affected by the impact, e.g., byexperiencing significant impact-caused excess pressure or/and undergoingsignificant impact-caused deformation, is a candidate for a CM cell. Acandidate cell 404 meeting the cellular TH impact criteria temporarilybecomes a TH CM cell and either temporarily appears as color X duringthe changed state or, if subject to other impact criteria, becomes afull CM cell and temporarily appears as color X if the other impactcriteria are met. A cell 404, including a candidate cell 404, notmeeting the cellular TH impact criteria appears as color A during thechanged state. The same applies to a cell 404 for which the other impactcriteria are not met in a cellular OI embodiment subject to the otherimpact criteria.

There is invariably an ID group of cells 404 that temporarily constituteCM cells, the ID cell group being a plurality of less than all cells404. The ID cell group, termed ID cell group 138*, embodies IDVC portion138. SF parts 406 of CM cells 404 in ID cell group 138* constitute printarea 118 and temporarily appear as color X. CM cells 404 in cell group138* are usually cell-wise continuous in that each CM cell 404 adjoins,or is connected 404 via one or more other CM cells 404 to, each other CMcell 404.

The cellular TH impact criteria for each cell 404 can consist ofmultiple sets of different principal cellular TH impact criteria havingthe same characteristics as, and employable the same as, the sets ofprincipal basic TH impact criteria. Hence, the sets of differentprincipal cellular TH impact criteria respectively correspond todifferent specific changed colors (X₁-X_(n)). Each cell 404 meeting thecellular TH impact criteria in a cellular OI embodiment not subject toother impact criteria appears as the specific changed color (X_(i)) forthe set of cellular TH impact criteria actually met by the impact. Eachcell 404 meeting the cellular TH impact criteria in a cellular OIembodiment subject to other impact criteria appears as the specificchanged color (X_(i)) for the set of cellular TH impact criteriaactually met by the impact if the other impact criteria are met. Hence,each cell 404 meeting the cellular TH impact criteria is solely capableof appearing as the specific changed color (X_(i)) for the set ofcellular TH impact criteria actually met by the impact.

Print area 118 usually variously extends inside and outside OC area 116depending on the cellular TH impact criteria. Arranging for areas 116and 118 to have this type of relationship to each other generallyenables the contour of print area 118 to better match the contour of OCarea 116 because cell SF parts 406 are of finite size, quadrilateralshere, rather than being points.

An indicator ΔR_(proc) of how close the contour of print area 118matches the contour of OC area 116 is the sum of the fractionaldifferences in area by which print area 118 extends inside and outsideOC area 116. Let A_(pri) and A_(pro) respectively represent the areas bywhich print area 118 extends inside and outside OC area 116. Fractionalinside-and-outside area difference ΔR_(proc) is then(A_(pri)+A_(pro))/A_(oc) where A_(oc) is again the area of OC area 116.Fractional area difference ΔR_(proc) devolves to A_(pri)/A_(oc) if printarea 118 only extends inside OC area 116 and to A_(pro)/A_(oc) if printarea 118 only extends outside OC area 116. In percentage, fractionaldifference ΔR_(proc) averages usually no more than 10%, preferably nomore than 8%, more preferably no more than 6%, even more preferably nomore 4%, further preferably no more than 2%, further more preferably nomore than 1%.

The matching between the contours of areas 116 and 118, sometimesdescribed as quantized for OI structure 400 because ID cell group 138*contains an integer number of CM cells 404, is relatively weak in theexample of FIG. 38b where the number of CM cells 404 whose SF parts 406form quantized print area 118 of cell group 138* is relatively small.The print-area-to-OC-area matching generally improves as the celldensity, or pixel resolution, increases so that more CM cells 404 arepresent in group 138* for a given lateral area of group 138*. “PA”hereafter means print-area.

An understanding of how the PA-to-OC-area matching improves withincreasing cell density is facilitated with assistance of FIGS. 39a and39b (collectively “FIG. 39”) which depict quantized print area 118 attwo different cell densities for an example in which OC area 116 is atrue circle. Quantized print area 118 here is a quantized “circle” lyingfully within the true circle, subject to certain edges of the quantizedcircle possibly touching the true circle. Cell SF parts 406 in FIG. 39are identical squares, the squares within the quantized circle shown insolid line for clarity.

Area A_(t) of the true circle formed by OC area 116 in FIG. 39 is πd_(t)²/4 where d_(t) is the diameter of the true circle. Letting d_(s)represent the dimension of each side of each square, area A_(q) of thequantized circle is n_(min)d_(s) ² where n_(min) is the minimum numberof squares fully within the true circle, with certain edges of certainsquares possibly touching the true circle, for any location of the truecircle on the grid of squares. The ratio R_(qt) of area A_(q) of thequantized circle to area A_(t) of the true circle is 4n_(min)d_(s)²/πd_(t) ². Letting R_(cs) represent the ratio of diameter d_(t) of thetrue circle to the dimension d_(s) of each side of each square, circlearea ratio R_(qt) is then 4n_(min)/πR_(cs) ². Circle area ratio R_(qt)approaches 1 as the quantized circle approaches a true circle ofdiameter d_(t).

The fractional circle area difference ΔR_(qt) between the contours ofthe true and quantized circles is 1−R_(qt). Fractional circle areadifference ΔR_(qt) approaches zero as the quantized circle approachesthe true circle and is another indicator of how close the contour ofprint area 118 matches the contour of OC area 116. Additionally, thequantized circle often contains more squares than minimum number n_(min)used in deriving fractional difference ΔR_(qt). Difference ΔR_(qt)represents the “worst-case” matching because the difference between thecontours of the quantized and true circles is often less than thatindicated by difference ΔR_(qt).

FIG. 40 shows how fractional circle area difference ΔR_(qt) decreaseswith increasing even-integer values of circle-diameter-to-square-sideratio R_(cs). Table 2 below presents the data, including minimum numbern_(min) of squares and quantized-circle-to-true-circle area ratioR_(qt), used in generating FIG. 40. Although diameter-to-side ratioR_(cs) only has even integer values in FIG. 40 and Table 2, ratio R_(cs)can have odd integer values as well as non-integer values.

TABLE 2 Diameter- Min. No. Area Diff. Diameter- Min. No. Area Diff.to-side n_(min) of Ratio ΔR_(qt) to-side n_(min) of Ratio ΔR_(qt) RatioR_(cs) Squares R_(qt) (%) Ratio R_(cs) Squares R_(qt) (%)  4 4 0.31868.2 28 556 0.903 9.7  6 16 0.566 43.4 30 652 0.922 7.8  8 32 0.637 36.332 732 0.910 9.0 10 52 0.662 33.8 34 832 0.916 8.4 12 88 0.778 22.2 36952 0.935 6.5 14 120 0.780 22.0 38 1052 0.927 7.3 16 164 0.816 18.4 401176 0.935 6.5 18 216 0.849 15.1 42 1288 0.930 7.0 20 276 0.879 12.1 441428 0.939 6.1 22 332 0.873 12.7 46 1560 0.939 6.1 24 392 0.867 13.3 481696 0.937 6.3 26 476 0.897 10.3 50 1860 0.947 5.3

Object 104 occupies a maximum area A_(oc) along SF zone 112 whilecontacting OC area 116. Assume that true circle area A_(t) isapproximately OC area A_(oc). Let N_(L) represent the lineal density (orresolution), in squares per unit length, of squares needed to achieve aparticular value of fractional difference ΔR_(qt). For a given value oftrue circle area A_(t), lineal square density N_(L) is estimated as(n_(min)/A_(oc))^(1/2) for any ΔR_(qt) value in Table 2. For a ΔR_(qt)value lower than the lowest ΔR_(qt) value in Table 2, lineal densityN_(L) is estimated using the same formula by extending Table 2 tosuitably higher values of minimum square number n_(min). Because numbern_(min) can become very high, extending Table 2 may entail using asuitable computer program.

As an exemplary N_(L) estimate, OC area A_(oc) for a tennis ballembodying object 104 is typically 15-20 cm². Assume that a ΔR_(qt) valueof 5-6% is desired. The corresponding n_(min) value is roughly1,500-2,000. Using the preceding N_(L) formula, the desired N_(L) valueis approximately 10 squares/cm or 10 pixels/cm since each square is apixel. State-of-the art imaging systems easily achieve resolutions of100 pixels/cm and can usually readily achieve resolutions of 200pixels/cm. A ΔR_(qt) value of 5-6% is well within the state of the art.ΔR_(qt) values considerably less than 5-6% are expected to be readilyachievable with OI structure 400.

Different from the model of FIG. 39 in which the quantized circleembodying print area 118 lies fully within the true circle embodying OCarea 116, print area 118 often extends partly outside OC area 116 asoccurs in the example of FIG. 38 b. Also, some cell SF parts 406 alongthe perimeter of OC area 116 may not form part of print area 118. In theexample of FIG. 38 b, each cell SF part 406 along the perimeter of OCarea 116 forms a portion of print area 118 only when approximately halfor more of that SF part's area is within OC area 116. Fractionalinside-and-outside area difference ΔR_(proc) for the model of FIG. 39equals fractional circle area difference ΔR_(qt) when the number ofsquares fully within area 116 is minimum number n_(min). Circle areadifference ΔR_(qt) can then serve as an estimate of inside-and-outsidearea difference ΔR_(proc) for approximately determining the minimumlinear cell density needed to achieve a particular ΔR_(proc) value.Lineal density N_(L) in cells 404 per unit length is usually at least 10cells/cm, preferably at least 20 cells/cm, more preferably at least 40cells/cm, even more preferably at least 80 cells/cm, in both the row andcolumn directions.

FIGS. 41 a, 41 b, 42 a, 42 b, 43 a, 43 b, 44 a, 44 b, 45 a, 45 b, 46 a,46 b, 47 a, 47 b, 48 a, 48 b, 49 a, 49 b, 50 a, and 50 b present sidecross sections of ten embodiments of OI structure 400 where each pair ofFigs. ja and jb for integer j varying from 41 to 50 depicts a differentembodiment. The basic side cross sections, and thus now the tenembodiments appear in the normal state, are respectively shown in FIGS.41 a, 42 a, 43 a, 44 a, 45 a, 46 a, 47 a, 48 a, 49 a, and 50 acorresponding to FIG. 38 a. FIGS. 41 b, 42 b, 43 b, 44 b, 45 b, 46 b, 47b, 48 b, 49 b, and 50 b corresponding to FIG. 38b present examples ofchanges that occur during the changed state when object 104 contactssurface 102 fully within SF zone 112.

SF DF area 122, which usually encompasses most of principal OC area 116,and total OC area 124, which is identical to OC area 116 in the examplesof FIGS. 41 b, 42 b, 43 b, 44 b, 45 b, 46 b, 47 b, 48 b, 49 b, and 50 b,are not separately labeled in those figures to simplify the labeling.Nor are areas 122 and 124 separately labeled in earlier FIG. 38 b. Inthe embodiments of FIGS. 42a and 42 b, 43 a and 43 b, 44 a and 44 b, 45a and 45 b, 46 a and 46 b, 47 a and 47 b, 48 a and 48 b, 49 a and 49 b,and 50 a and 50 b where each cell 404 consists of multiple parts, theparts of each cell 404 are not separately labeled to simplify thelabeling.

As to cell parts described below for subregions 242, 182, 302, 204, 224,202, 222, and 226, each such cell part meets the transmissivityspecification given above for corresponding subregion 242, 182, 302,204, 224, 202, 222, or 226 containing that cell part. Similarlyregarding combinations of functionally different cell parts describedbelow for subregions 242, 182, 302, 204, 224, 202, 222, and 226, eachsuch combination of functionally different cell parts meets thetransmissivity specification given above for the correspondingcombination of subregions 242, 182, 302, 204, 224, 202, 222, and 226containing that combination of cell parts.

Referring to FIGS. 41a and 41 b, they illustrate a general embodiment410 of OI structure 400 for which automatic duration Δt_(drau) of thechanged state is passively determined by the properties of the materialin ISCC structure 132. OI structure 410 is also an embodiment of OIstructure 130. The lateral (side) boundary of each cell 404 usuallyextends perpendicular to its part 406 of SF zone 112 so as to appearlargely as a pair of straight lines along a plane extending through thatcell 404 perpendicular to zone 112. See FIG. 41 a. Each cell 404 hereconsists of a part, termed an ISCC part (or element), of ISCC structure132.

Each cell 404 here operates the same during the normal state as VCregion 106 in OI structure 130. A light normally leaving each cell 404via its SF part 406 is formed with ARic light reflected by its ISCCpart, any AEic light emitted by its ISCC part, and anysubstructure-reflected ARsb light passing through its ISCC part. Eachcell 404 normally appears as color A.

Each cell 404 having its SF part 406 partly or fully in OC area 116 is acandidate for a CM cell. Each CM cell 404 operates the same during thechanged state as IDVC portion 138 in structure 130. Referring to FIG. 41b, X light temporarily leaving each CM cell 404 via its part 406 ofprint area 118 is formed with XRic light reflected by its ISCC part, anyXEic light emitted by its ISCC part, and any substructure-reflected XRsblight passing through its ISCC part. CM cells 404 usually enter thechanged state simultaneously and leave the changed state simultaneously.CC duration Δt_(dr) of each CM cell 404 is largely equal to CC durationΔt_(dr) of OI structure 400 as a whole. Automatic duration Δt_(drau) ofeach CM cell 404 is likewise largely equal to automatic durationΔt_(drau) of structure 400 as a whole.

The ISCC part of each cell 404 here can, subject to the potentialmodifications described below for FIG. 51, be embodied in any of theways described above for embodying ISCC structure 132 in OI structure130. For instance, each cell's ISCC part can be formed essentiallysolely with IS CR or CE material. Automatic CC duration Δt_(drau) foreach cell 404 when it is a CM cell is then base portion Δt_(drbs).

FIGS. 42a and 42b illustrate an embodiment 420 of OI structure 410. OIstructure 420 is also an embodiment of OI structure 180. ISCC structure132 of VC region 106 here consists of components 182 and 184 deployed asin OI structure 180 to meet at interface 186. See FIG. 42 a. Each cell404 here consists of an ISCC part of ISCC structure 132, the ISCC partformed with (a) a part, termed an IS part, of IS component 182 and (b) apart, termed a CC part, of underlying CC component 184. The IS part ofeach cell 404 extends to its SF part 406 and between its boundaryportions in IS component 182. The CC part of each cell 404 extends tosubstructure 134 and between that cell's boundary portions in CCcomponent 184. The cell's IS and CC parts meet along a correspondingpart 424 of interface 186.

The IS and CC parts of each cell 404 respectively operate the sameduring the normal state as components 182 and 184 in OI structure 180.Total ATcc light normally leaving the CC part of each cell 404 via itsIF part 424 consists of ARcc light reflected by its CC part, any AEcclight emitted by its CC part, and any ARsb light passing through its CCpart. A light normally leaving each cell 404 via its SF part 406consists of ARcc light and any AEcc and ARsb light passing through itsIS part and any ARis light reflected by its IS part.

Each cell 404 having its SF part 406 partly or fully in OC area 116 is acandidate for a CM cell. Each CM cell 404 operates essentially the sameduring the changed state as IDVC portion 138 in structure 130. Inparticular, each CM cell 404 temporarily appears as color X (a) in somegeneral OI embodiments if it meets the cellular TH impact criteria so asto be a TH CM cell or (b) in other general OI embodiments if it isprovided with a principal cellular CC control signal generated inresponse to it meeting the cellular TH impact criteria sometimesdependent on other impact criteria also being met in those otherembodiments so that it becomes a full CM cell. Referring to FIG. 41 b, Xlight temporarily leaving each CM cell 404 via its part 406 of printarea 118 is formed with XRic light reflected by its ISCC part, any XEiclight emitted by its ISCC part, and any substructure-reflected XRsblight passing through its ISCC part. A light continues to leave eachother cell 404 during the changed state. The cellular CC control signalsprovided to all CM cells 404 implement the general CC control signal.

The IS part of each CM cell 404 responds to object 104 impacting OC area116 so as to meet the cellular TH impact criteria for that CM cell 404by providing a principal cellular ID impact effect usually resultingfrom the pressure of the impact on area 116 or from deformation thatobject 104 causes along SF DF area 122. The CC part of each CM cell 404responds (a) in some general OI embodiments to its cellular ID impacteffect by causing that CM cell 404 to temporarily appear as color X or(b) in other general OI embodiments to its cellular CC control signalgenerated in response to its cellular impact effect sometimes dependenton other impact criteria also being met in those other embodiments bycausing that CM cell 404 to temporarily appear as color X. Specifically,the CC part of each CM cell 404 changes in such a way that XRcc lightreflected by its CC part and any XEcc light emitted by its CC parttemporarily leave its CC part. Total XTcc light temporarily leaving theCC part of each CM cell 404 via its IF part 424 consists of XRcc light,any XEcc light, and any XRsb light passing through its CC part. X lighttemporarily leaving each CM cell 404 via its part 406 of print area 118consists of XRcc light and any XEcc and XRsb light passing through itsIS part and any ARis light reflected by its IS part. A light continuesto leave the remainder of cells 404. The cellular impact effects of allCM cells 404 implement the general impact effect.

The IS and CC parts of each cell 404 here can, subject to the potentialmodifications described below for FIG. 52, be respectively embodied inany of the ways described above for embodying components 182 and 184 ofOI structure 180. For instance, the cell's CC part can be embodied asreduced-size CR or CE CC structure in basically any of the ways that CCcomponent 184 is embodied as a CR or CE CC component.

FIGS. 43a and 43b illustrate an embodiment 430 of OI structure 420. OIstructure 430 is also an embodiment of OI structure 200 and thus of OIstructure 180. CC component 184 is formed with assembly 202 and optionalauxiliary layers 204 and 206. See FIG. 43 a. The CC part of each cell404 consists of (a) a part, termed an (electrode) AB part, of assembly202, (b) a part, termed an NA part, of NA layer 204, and (c) a part,termed an FA part, of FA layer 206. The AB, NA, and FA parts of eachcell 404 each extend between the cell's lateral boundary portions incomponent 184. The NA part of each cell 404 extends to its part 424 ofinterface 186. The FA part of each cell 404 extends to its part ofinterface 136. The AB part of each cell 404 extends between its NA andFA parts.

The AB, NA, and FA parts of each cell 404 respectively operate the sameduring the normal state as assembly 202 and auxiliary layers 204 and 206in OI structure 200. The cell's FA part specifically operates during thenormal state according to a light non-outputting normal cellular farauxiliary mode or one of several versions of a light outputting normalcellular far auxiliary mode. “CFA” hereafter means cellular farauxiliary. Largely no light leaves the FA part of each cell 404 alongits AB part in the light non-outputting normal CFA mode. The lightoutputting normal CFA mode consists of one or both of the followingactions: (a) a substantial part of any ARsb light leaving substructure134 along the FA part of each cell 404 passes through its FA part and(b) ADfa light formed with any ARfa light reflected by its FA part andany AEfa light emitted by its FA part leaves its FA part along its ABpart. Total ATfa light normally leaving the FA part of each cell 404along its AB part consists of any such ARfa, AEfa, and ARsb light.

The AB part of each cell 404 operates during the normal state accordingto a light non-outputting normal cellular assembly mode or one of agroup of versions of a light outputting normal cellular assembly mode.“CAB” hereafter means cellular assembly. Largely no light leaves the ABpart of each cell 404 along its NA part in the light non-outputtingnormal CAB mode. The light outputting normal CAB mode consists of one ormore of the following actions: (a) a substantial part of any ARsb lightpassing through the FA part of each cell 404 passes through its AB part,(b) substantial parts of any ARfa and AEfa light provided by its FA partpass through its AB part, and (c) ADab light formed with any ARab lightreflected by its AB part and any AEab light emitted by its AB partleaves its AB part along its NA part. Total ATab light normally leavingthe AB part of each cell 404 along its NA part consists of any suchARab, AEab, ARfa, AEfa, and ARsb light.

Each cell's NA part operates as follows during the normal state.Substantial parts of any ARab, AEab, ARfa, AEfa, and ARsb light leavingthe AB part of each cell 404 pass through its NA part. In addition, theNA part of each cell 404 may normally reflect ARna light. Total ATcclight normally leaving the NA part of each cell 404, and thus its CCpart, via its IF part 424 consists of any such ARab, AEab, ARfa, AEfa,ARna, and ARsb light.

The IS part of each cell 404 operates the same during the normal stateas IS component 182 of OI structure 420 where ARcc light in structure420 consists of any ARab, ARfa, ARna, and ARsb light and where AEcclight in structure 420 consists of any AEab and AEfa light. Substantialparts of any ARab, AEab, ARfa, AEfa, ARna, and ARsb light leaving the NApart of each cell 404 pass through its IS part. Including any ARis lightnormally reflected by the IS part of each cell 404, any ARab, AEab,ARfa, AEfa, ARis, ARna, and ARsb light normally leaving its IS part, andthus that cell 404 itself, via its SF part 406 form A light.

Upon going to the changed state, the AB, NA, and FA parts of each CMcell 404 respectively respond to the cellular impact effect provided byits IS part the same as AB segment 212 and auxiliary segments 214 and216 in IDVC portion 138 of OI structure 200 respond to the generalimpact effect. See FIG. 43 b. More particularly, the FA part of each CMcell 404 temporarily operates, usually passively, according to a lightnon-outputting changed CFA mode or one of several versions of a lightoutputting changed CFA mode. Largely no light leaves the FA part of eachCM cell 404 along its AB part in the light non-outputting changed CFAmode. The light outputting changed CFA mode consists of one or both ofthe following actions: (a) a substantial part of any XRsb light leavingsubstructure 134 along the FA part of each CM cell 404 passes throughits FA part and (b) XDfa light formed with any XRfa light reflected byits FA part and any XEfa light emitted by its FA part leaves its FA partalong its AB part. Reflection of XRfa light or/and emission of XEfalight leaving the FA part of each CM cell 404 usually occur undercontrol of its AB part operating in response (a) in first cellular OIembodiments to its cellular impact effect for the impact meeting itscellular TH impact criteria or (b) in second cellular OI embodiments toits cellular CC control signal generated in response to its cellularimpact effect sometimes (conditionally) dependent on other impactcriteria also being met in the second embodiments. If FA layer 206normally reflects ARfa light or/and emits AEfa light, a change in whichlargely no light temporarily leaves the FA part of each CM cell 404likewise usually occurs under control of its AB part responding to itscellular impact effect or its cellular control signal. Total XTfa lightleaving the FA part of each CM cell 404 along its AB part consists ofany such XRfa, XEfa, and XRsb light.

The AB part of each CM cell 404 responds (a) in the first cellular OIembodiments to its cellular impact effect or (b) in the second cellularOI embodiments to its cellular CC control signal generated in responseto the effect sometimes dependent on both its cellular TH impactcriteria and other criteria being met by temporarily operating accordingto a light non-outputting changed CAB mode or one of a group of versionsof a light outputting changed CAB mode. Largely no light leaves the ABpart of each CM cell 404 along its NA part in the light non-outputtingchanged CAB mode. The light outputting changed CAB mode consists of oneor more of the following actions: (a) a substantial part of any XRsblight passing through the FA part of each CM cell 404 passes through itsAB part, (b) substantial parts of any XRfa and XEfa light provided byits FA part pass through its AB part, and (c) XDab light formed with anyXRab light reflected by its AB part and any XEab light emitted by its ABpart leaves its AB part along its NA part. Total XTab light leaving theAB part of each CM cell 404 along its NA part consists of any such XRab,XEab, XRfa, XEfa, and XRsb light.

The NA part of each CM cell 404 operates as follows during the changedstate. Substantial parts of any XRab, XEab, XRfa, XEfa, and XRsb lightleaving the AB part of each CM cell 404 pass through its NA part. If NAlayer 204 reflects ARna light during the normal state, the NA part ofeach CM cell 404 reflects XRna light, usually largely ARna light, duringthe changed state. If the NA part of each CM cell 404 undergoes a changeso that XRna light significantly differs from ARna light, the changeusually occurs under control of the AB part of that CM cell 404 inresponding to its cellular impact effect or to its cellular controlsignal. Total XTcc light leaving the NA part of each CM cell 404, andthus its CC part, along its IF part 424 consists of any such XRab, XEab,XRfa, XEfa, XRna, and XRsb light.

The IS part of each CM cell 404 operates the same during the changedstate as IS segment 192 of OI structure 420 where XRcc light consists ofany XRab, XRfa, XRna, and XRsb light and where XEcc light consists ofany XEab and XEfa light. Substantial parts of any XRab, XEab, XRfa,XEfa, XRna, and XRsb light leaving the AB part of each CM cell 404 passthrough its IS part. Including any ARis light reflected by the IS partof each CM cell 404, any XRab, XEab, XRfa, XEfa, ARis, XRna, and XRsblight leaving its IS part, and thus that CM cell 404 itself, via itspart 406 of print area 118 form X light.

Analogous to what occurs with the normal and changed GAB modes, eitherof the changed CAB modes, including any of the versions of the lightoutputting changed CAB mode, can generally be combined with either ofthe normal CAB modes, including any of the versions of the lightoutputting normal CAB mode, in an embodiment of CC component 184 exceptfor combining the light non-outputting changed CAB mode with the lightnon-outputting normal CAB mode provided, however, that the operation ofthe changed CAB mode is compatible with the operation of the normal CABmode. As with the GFA modes, this compatibility requirement mayeffectively preclude combining certain versions of the light outputtingchanged CAB mode with certain versions of the light outputting normalCAB mode.

Assembly 202 here consists of core layer 222 and electrode structures224 and 226. Each cell's AB part is formed with (a) a part, termed acore part, of layer 222, (b) a part, termed an NE part, of NE structure224, and (c) a part, termed an FE part, of FE structure 226. The corepart of each cell 404 extends between its NE and FE parts whichrespectively meet its NA and FA parts. The core, NE, and FE parts ofeach cell 404 also each extend between its lateral boundary portions inassembly 202.

Each cell's NE part contains a near electrode of the electrode layer inNE structure 224. Each cell's FE part similarly contains a far electrodeof the electrode layer in FE structure 226. The electrodes in each cell404 are at least partly located opposite each other. At least part,termed the core section, of the core part of each cell 404 is located atleast partly between its electrodes. FIG. 53, dealt with below, presentsan example of this configuration for the core section and electrodes ofeach cell 404.

The core, NE, and FE parts of each cell 404 respectively operate thesame during the normal state as core layer 222, NE structure 224, and FEstructure 226 in OI structure 200. Controllable voltage V_(n) on eachcell's near electrode is normally at near normal control value V_(nN).Controllable voltage V_(f) on each cell's far electrode is normally atfar normal control value V_(fN). Control voltage V_(nf) applied by theelectrodes in each cell 404 across its core section is normally atnormal control value V_(nfN) equal to V_(nN)−V_(fN). Value V_(nfN) ischosen such that each cell 404 normally appears as color A.

With the foregoing in mind, each cell's FE part undergoes the followingnormal-state light processing. Largely no light leaves the FE part ofeach cell 404 along its core part if its AB part is in the lightnon-outputting normal CAB mode. One or more of the following actionsoccur with the FE part of each cell 404 if its AB part is in the lightoutputting normal CAB mode: (a) a substantial part of any ARsb lightpassing through its FA part passes through its FE part, (b) substantialparts of any ARfa and AEfa light provided by its FA part pass throughits FE part, and (c) its FE part reflects ARfe light leaving its FE partalong its core part. Total ATfe light normally leaving the FE part ofeach cell 404 along its core part consists of any such ARfa, AEfa, ARfe,and ARsb light.

Each cell's core part undergoes the following normal-state lightprocessing. Largely no light leaves the core part of each cell 404 alongits NE part if its AB part is in the light non-outputting normal CABmode. One or more of the following actions occur in the core part ofeach cell 404 if its AB part is in the light outputting normal CAB modeso as to implement that mode for its core part: (a) a substantial partof any ARsb light passing through its FE part passes through its corepart, (b) substantial parts of any ARfa and AEfa light passing throughits FE part pass through its core part, (c) a substantial part of anyARfe light reflected by its FE part passes through its core part, and(d) ADcl light formed with any ARcl light reflected by its core part andany AEcl light emitted by its core part leaves its core part along itsNE part. Total ATcl light normally leaving the core part of each cell404 along its NE part consists of any such ARcl, AEcl, ARfa, AEfa, ARfe,and ARsb light.

Each cell's NE part undergoes the following normal-state lightprocessing. Substantial parts of any ARcl, AEcl, ARfa, AEfa, ARfe, andARsb light leaving the core part of each cell 404 pass through its NEpart. In addition, the NE part of each cell 404 may normally reflectARne light. Total ATab light normally leaving the NE part, and thus theAB part, of each cell 404 along its NA part consists of any such ARcl,AEcl, ARfa, AEfa, ARne, ARfe, and ARsb light. Total ATcc light of eachcell 404 consists of any ARcl, AEcl, ARfa, AEfa, ARna, ARne, ARfe, andARsb light leaving that cell 404 along its IF part 424. Any ARcl, AEcl,ARfa, AEfa, ARis, ARna, ARne, ARfe, and ARsb light normally leaving eachcell 404 via its SF part 406 form A light.

In going into the changed state, control voltage V_(nf) applied by thetwo electrodes in each CM cell 404 across its core section goes tochanged control value V_(nfC) equal to V_(nC)−V_(fC) in response (a) inthe first cellular OI embodiments to its cellular impact effect providedby its IS part for the impact meeting its cellular TH impact criteria or(b) in the second cellular OI embodiments to its cellular CC controlsignal generated in response to the effect sometimes dependent on otherimpact criteria also being met in the second embodiments. Voltage V_(n)on the near electrode in each CM cell 404 is at near CC value V_(nC).Voltage V_(f) on the far electrode in each CM cell 404 is at far CCvalue V_(fC). As mentioned above, CC values V_(nC) and V_(fC) are chosensuch that changed value V_(nfC) differs materially from normal valueV_(nfN). The V_(nf) change across the core section in each CM cell 404causes total light XTcl leaving its core part during the changed stateto differ materially from total light ATcl leaving its core part duringthe normal state. Total XTab light of each CM cell 404 differsmaterially from its total ATab light. This enables each CM cell 404 totemporarily appear as color X.

The FE part of each CM cell 404 undergoes the following changed-statelight processing. Largely no light leaves the FE part of each CM cell404 if its AB part is in the light non-outputting changed CAB mode. Oneor more of the following actions occur with the FE part of each CM cell404 if its AB part is in the light outputting changed CAB mode: (a) asubstantial part of any XRsb light passing through its FA part passesthrough its FE part, (b) substantial parts of any XRfa and XEfa lightprovided by its FA part pass through its FE part, and (c) its FE partreflects XRfe light leaving its FR part along its core part. Total XTfelight leaving the FE part of each CM cell 404 along its core partconsists of any such XRfa, XEfa, XRfe, and XRsb light.

The core part of each CM cell 404 responds (a) in the first cellular OIembodiments to its cellular impact effect or (b) in the second cellularOI embodiments to its cellular CC control signal generated in responseto the effect sometimes dependent on both its cellular TH impactcriteria and other criteria being met by undergoing the followingchanged-state light processing. Largely no light leaves the core part ofeach CM cell 404 along its NE part if its AB part is in the lightnon-outputting changed CAB mode. One or more of the following actionsoccur in the core part of each CM cell 404 if its AB part is in thelight outputting changed CAB mode so as to implement that mode for itscore part: (a) a substantial part of any XRsb light passing through itsFE part passes through its core part, (b) substantial parts of any XRfaand XEfa light passing through its FE part pass through its core part,(c) a substantial part of any XRfe light reflected by its FE part passesthrough its core part, and (d) XDcl light formed with XRcl lightreflected by its core part and any XEcl light emitted by its core partleaves its core part along its NE part. Total XTcl light of each CM cell404 consists of any such XRcl, XEcl, XRfa, XEfa, XRfe, and XRsb light.

The NE part of each CM cell 404 undergoes the following changed-statelight processing. Substantial parts of any XRcl, XEcl, XRfa, XEfa, XRfe,and XRsb light leaving the core part of each CM cell 404 pass throughits NE part. If the NE part of each cell 404 reflects ARne light duringthe normal state, the NE part of each CM cell 404 reflects XRne light,usually largely ARne light, during the changed state. Total XTab lightleaving the NE part, and thus the AB part, of each CM cell 404 along itsNA part consists of any such XRcl, XEcl, XRfa, XEfa, XRne, XRfe, andXRsb light. Total XTcc light of each CM cell 404 consists of any XRcl,XEcl, XRfa, XEfa, XRna, XRne, XRfe, and XRsb light leaving that CM cell404 via its IF part 424. Any XRcl, XEcl, XRfa, XEfa, ARis, XRna, XRne,XRfe, and XRsb light leaving the IS part of each CM cell 404, and thusthat CM cell 404 itself, via its part 406 of print area 118 form Xlight.

The AB, NA, and FA parts of each cell 404 can, subject to the potentialmodifications described below for FIG. 53, be embodied in any of theways described above for respectively embodying assembly 202 andauxiliary layers 204 and 206 in OI structure 200. Also subject to thosepotential modifications, the core, NE, and FE parts of each cell's ABpart can be embodied in any of the ways described above for respectivelyembodying core layer 222 and electrode structures 224 and 226 in OIstructure 200.

The NA part of each cell 404 can include a programmable RA part (notseparately shown), typically separated from that cell's AB part byinsulating material, for being electrically programmed subsequent tomanufacture of OI structure 430 for adjusting colors A and X for thatcell 404. The RA cell parts are preferably clear transparent prior toprogramming. The programming causes the RA part to become tintedtransparent or more tinted transparent if it was originally tintedtransparent. ARna and Xna light are thereby adjusted for each cell 404.As a result, colors A and X for each cell 404 are respectively adjustedfrom pre-programming colors A; and X; to post-programming colors A_(f)and X_(f).

The programming of the RA cell parts can be done by various techniques.In one technique, a blanket conductive programming layer is temporarilydeployed on SF zone 112 prior to programming. A programming voltage isapplied between the programming layer and the NE part of each cell 404sufficiently long to cause its RA part to change to a desired tintedtransparency. The programming layer is usually removed from zone 112. Inanother technique, each cell 404 includes a permanent conductiveprogramming part, typically constituted with part of the NA part of thatcell 404, lying between its SF part 406 and its RA part. A programmingvoltage is applied between the programming part of each cell 404 and itsNE part sufficiently long to cause its RA part to change to a desiredtinted transparency. The tinted adjustment can be caused by introductionof RA ions into the RA parts.

Alternatively, the core part of each cell 404 can include a programmableRA part lying along that cell's NE part and having the foregoingtransparency characteristics. The core RA part of each cell 404 isprogrammed to a desired tinted transparency by applying a programmingvoltage between its NE and FE parts for a suitable time period.Introduction of RA ions into each cell's core RA part can cause thetinting adjustment. The magnitude of the programming voltage is usuallymuch greater than the V_(nfN) and V_(nfC) magnitudes. Regardless ofwhether the RA part of each cell 404 is located in its NA or NE part,the programming voltage can be a selected one of plural differentprogramming values for causing final color A_(f) or X_(f) to be acorresponding one of like plural different specific final principal orchanged colors.

The RA part of each cell 404 can include three or more transparent RAsubparts, each programmable to reflect light of a different one of threeor more primary colors, e.g., red, green, and blue, combinable toproduce many colors usually including white. The NE part of each cell404 then includes three or more NE subparts respectively adjacent the RAsubparts. One or more, up to all, of the RA subparts of each cell 404are programmed to cause each programmed RA subpart to change to adesired tinted transparency of that subpart's primary color. Color A canthus be adjusted across a broad realm of specific colors during thenormal state. The same applies to color X for each CM cell 404 duringthe changed state. Programming is the same as described above exceptthat, depending on which of the preceding cell arrangements is used, aprogramming voltage is applied between the NE subpart of each programmedRA subpart and its FE part, its programming part, or the programminglayer. Adjusting the programming voltage, value or/and duration, foreach programmed RA subpart usually enables its final tinted transparencyto be programmably adjusted.

When LE elements fixedly located in the core parts are used in colorchanging, the core part of each cell 404 has a core-part emissive areaacross which AEcl light is emitted during the normal state in themid-emission EN and EN-ET embodiments and XEcl light is emitted duringthe changed state in the mid-emission ET and EN-ET embodiments if thatcell 404 is a CM cell. The core part of each cell 404 can include threeor more core subparts, each containing one or more LE elements operableto emit light of a different one of three or more primary colors, e.g.,again red, green, and blue, combinable to produce many colors usuallyincluding white. The core subpart of each cell 404 usually emits thatsubpart's primary color across a core-part emissive subarea of that corepart's emissive area. The standard human eye/brain would interpret thecombination of the primary colors of the light emitted by the coresubparts in each cell 404 as color AEcl during the normal state in themid-emission EN and EN-ET embodiments if the AEcl light traveled to thehuman eye unaccompanied by other light. The same applies to color XEcland XEcl light for each CM cell 404 during the changed state in themid-emission ET and EN-ET embodiments.

Each core subpart can be configured to receive a voltage causing theradiosity of the primary-color light emitted from that subpart'semissive subarea to be fixedly adjusted. The radiosities of the light ofthe primary colors emitted from each core-part emissive area can then beprogrammably adjusted subsequent to manufacture of OI structure 430 forenabling AEcl light, and thus A light, in the mid-emission EN and EN-ETembodiments to be fixedly adjusted and for enabling XEcl light, and thusX light, in the mid-emission ET and EN-ET embodiments to be fixedlyadjusted. The programming is performed, as necessary, for each primarycolor, by providing the core subparts operable to emit light of thatprimary color with a programming voltage that causes them to emit lightof their primary color at radiosity suitable for the desired AEcl lightin the mid-emission EN and EN-ET embodiments and suitable for thedesired XEcl light in the mid-emission ET and EN-ET embodiments.Programming of the RA cell parts and core-part emissive areas can beused in the mid-emission embodiments to expand the realms of specificcolors that embody colors A and X.

FIGS. 44a and 44b illustrate an extension 440 of OI structure 410. OIstructure 440 is also an embodiment of OI structure 240. VC region 106here consists of SF structure 242 and underlying ISCC structure 132which meet along interface 244. See FIG. 44 a. SF structure 242 againperforms various functions usually including protecting ISCC structure132 from damage and/or spreading pressure to improve the matchingbetween print area 118 and OC area 116 during impact. Structure 242 herelikewise may provide velocity restitution matching or/and stronglyinfluence principal color A or/and changed color X. Each cell 404 hereconsists of (a) a part, termed the SS part, of structure 242 and (b) theunderlying ISCC part of ISCC structure 132. The SS and ISCC parts ofeach cell 404 meet along a part 444 of interface 244.

Each cell's ISCC part here operates the same during the normal state asin OI structure 410 except that light leaving the ISCC part of each cell404 via its SF part 406 in structure 410 leaves its ISCC part via itspart 444 of interface 244 here. Total ATic light normally leaving theISCC part of each cell 404 via its IF part 444 consists of ARic lightreflected by its ISCC part, any AEic light emitted by its ISCC part, andany ARsb light passing through its ISCC part. Including any ARss lightnormally reflected by the SS part of each cell 404, A light is formedwith ARic light and any AEic, ARss, and ARsb light normally leaving itsSS part, and thus that cell 404, via its SF part 406.

Referring to FIG. 44 b, the impact of object 104 on OC area 116 createsexcess SF pressure along area 116. The excess SF pressure is transmittedthrough SF structure 242 to interface 244 producing excess internalpressure along DP IF area 256. Each cell 404 having its IF part 444partly or fully located in area 256 is a candidate for a CM cell. Acandidate cell 404 temporarily becomes a CM cell if the excess internalpressure along its IF part 444 meets principal cellular excess internalpressure criteria which embody the cellular TH impact criteria. Thecellular excess internal pressure criteria require that the excessinternal pressure at one or more points along IF part 444 of a cell 404equal or exceed a local TH value for that cell 404 to temporarily be aCM cell.

During the changed state, the ISCC part of each CM cell 404 responds (a)in some cellular OI embodiments to the excess internal pressure alongits IF part 444 meeting its cellular excess internal pressure criteriaor (b) in other OI embodiments to its cellular CC control signalgenerated in response to the excess internal pressure along its IF part444 meeting its cellular excess internal pressure criteria sometimesdependent on other impact criteria also being met in those otherembodiments by changing in such a way that XRic light reflected by theISCC part of that CM cell 404 and any XEic light emitted by its ISCCpart temporarily leave that part via its IF part 444. Total XTic lightleaving the ISCC part of each CM cell 404 via its IF part 444 consistsof XRic light, any XEic light, and any XRsb light passing through itsISCC part. Including any ARss light reflected by the SS part of each CMcell 404, X light is formed with XRic light and any XEic, ARss, and XRsblight leaving its SS part, and thus that CM cell 404, via its part 406of print area 118.

For the protective function, the SS part of each cell 404 protects itsISCC part from damage in the above-described way that SF structure 242in OI structure 240 protects ISCC structure 132 from damage.

For pressure spreading, SF structure 242 is again a PS structure, “PS”again meaning pressure-spreading. The SS and ISCC parts of each cell 404respectively are PS and PSCC parts which adjoin each other along itspart 444 of interface 244 again serving as an internal PS surface,“PSCC” again meaning pressure-sensitive color-change. The PSCC part ofeach cell 404 causes it to temporarily appear as color X if excessinternal pressure along its IF part 444 meets the principal cellularexcess internal pressure criteria.

As to the benefits of pressure spreading, consider what happens in OIstructure 410 lacking SF structure 242. Referring to FIG. 41bcorresponding to FIG. 44 b, each cell 404 having its SF part 406 locatedpartly or fully in OC area 116 in OI structure 410 is, as mentionedabove, a candidate for a CM cell. Certain of those candidate cells 404in structure 410 become CM cells which temporarily appear as color X.Returning to FIG. 44 b, more cells 404 here are candidates for CM cellsthan in structure 410 because DP IF area 256 extends laterally beyondoppositely situated area 116. Depending on the cellular excess internalpressure criteria, more cells 404 can be CM cells here than in structure410. Importantly, appropriate choice of the cellular excess internalpressure criteria enables print area 118 to closely match OC area 116.

FIGS. 45a and 45b illustrate an embodiment 450 of OI structure 440. OIstructure 450 is also an extension of OI structure 420 and an embodimentof OI structure 260. VC region 106 here consists of SF structure 242 andunderlying ISCC structure 132 formed with components 182 and 184. SeeFIG. 45 a. SF structure 242 here is configured and operable the same asin OI structure 440. Each cell 404 consists of an SS part of structure242 and the underlying ISCC part of ISCC structure 132, the ISCC partbeing formed with an IS part of IS component 182 and a CC part of CCcomponent 184 deployed as in OI structure 420.

Each cell's IS and CC parts here are configured and operable the same asin OI structure 420. Total ATic light normally leaving the IS part, andthus the ISCC part, of each cell 404 via its IF part 444 consists ofARcc light and any AEcc, ARis, and ARsb light. ARcc light and any AEcc,ARss, ARis, and ARsb light normally leave each cell 404 via its part 406of SF zone 112 to form A light.

Referring to FIG. 45 b, the IS part of each CM cell 404 provides aprincipal cellular impact effect in response to object 104 impacting theSS part of that CM cell 404 along its surface part 406 so as to meet itscellular TH impact criteria. The cellular impact signal of each CM cell404 is specifically provided during the changed state in response to theexcess internal pressure along IF part 444 of that CM cell 404 meetingthe above-mentioned cellular excess internal pressure criteria whichembody the cellular TH impact criteria. The CC part of each CM cell 404responds (a) in some cellular OI embodiments to its cellular impacteffect or (b) in other cellular OI embodiments to its cellular CCcontrol signal generated in response to its impact effect sometimesdependent on other impact criteria also being met in those otherembodiments by changing in such a way that total XTic light leaving itsIS part, and thus its ISCC part, via its IF part 444 consists of XRcclight and any XEcc, ARis, and XRsb light. XRcc light and any XEcc, ARss,ARis, and XRsb light leave each CM cell 404 via its part 406 of area 118to form X light.

FIGS. 46a and 46b illustrate an embodiment 460 of OI structure 450. OIstructure 460 is also an extension of OI structure 430 and an embodimentof OI structure 270. VC region 106 here consists of SF structure 242 andISCC structure 132 formed with IS component 182 and underlying CCcomponent 184 consisting of subcomponents 204, 224, 222, 226, and 206deployed as in OI structure 430. See FIG. 46 a. SF structure 242 here isconfigured and operable the same as in OI structure 450 and thus thesame as in OI structure 440. Each cell 404 consists of an SS part of SFstructure 242 and the underlying ISCC part of ISCC structure 132, theISCC part being formed with an IS part of IS component 182 and theunderlying CC part of CC component 184. Each cell's CC part consists ofan NA part of NA layer 204, an NE part of NE structure 224, a core partof core layer 222, an FE part of FE structure 226, and an FA part of FAlayer 206 deployed as in OI structure 430.

The IS, NA, NE, core, FE, and NA parts of each cell 404 are configuredand operable the same as in OI structure 430. Total ATab light of eachcell 404 consists of any ARcl, AEcl, ARfa, AEfa, ARne, ARfe, and ARsblight normally leaving that cell 404 along its NA part. Any ARcl, AEcl,ARfa, AEfa, ARss, ARis, ARna, ARne, ARfe, and ARsb light normally leaveeach cell 404 via its part 406 of SF zone 112 to form A light.

Referring to FIG. 46 b, the IS part of each CM cell 404 again provides aprincipal cellular impact effect in response to object 104 impacting theSS part of that CM cell 404 along its SF part 406 so as to meet itscellular TH impact criteria. The cellular impact signal of each CM cell404 is specifically provided during the changed state in response to theexcess internal pressure along IF part 444 of that CM cell 404 meetingthe cellular excess internal pressure criteria which embody the cellularTH impact criteria. The AB part of each CM cell 404 responds (a) in somecellular OI embodiments to its cellular impact effect or (b) in othercellular OI embodiments to its cellular CC control signal generated inresponse to its impact effect sometimes dependent on both its cellularTH impact criteria and other criteria being met by changing so that itstotal XTab light consists of any XRcl, XEcl, XRfa, XEfa, XRne, XRfe, andXRsb light leaving that CM cell 404 along its NA part. Any XRcl, XEcl,XRfa, XEfa, ARss, ARis, XRna, XRne, XRfe, and XRsb light leave each CMcell 404 along its part 406 of SF zone 112 to form X light.

The cellular impact effects can be transmitted outside VC region 106.For instance, the cellular impact effects can respectively take the formof multiple cellular location-identifying impact signals supplied to aseparate cell CC duration controller as described below for FIGS. 59aand 59b or multiple characteristics-identifying impact signals suppliedto a separate intelligent cell CC controller as described below forFIGS. 69a and 69 b.

FIGS. 47a and 47b illustrate an extension 470 of OI structure 410provided with CC duration extended in a pre-establisheddeformation-controlled manner. OI structure 470 is also an embodiment ofOI structure 280. VC region 106 here consists of ISCC structure 132 andunderlying DE structure 282. See FIG. 47 a. Each cell 404 consists of(a) an ISCC part of ISCC structure 132 and (b) a part, termed a DE part,of DE structure 282. The ISCC and DE parts of each cell 404 meet along apart 474 of interface 284.

Each cell 404 here operates the same during the normal state as VCregion 106 in OI structure 280. A light normally leaving each cell 404via its SF part 406 is formed with ARic light reflected by its ISCCpart, any AEic light emitted by its ISCC part, any ARde passing throughits ISCC part, and any ARsb light passing through its ISCC and DE parts.

The ISCC part of each cell 404 having its SF part 406 partly or fully inSF DF area 122 responds to object 104 impacting its SF part 406 bydeforming along a cellular SF DF area constituted partly or fully withits SF part 406 so as to become a candidate for a CM cell. See FIG. 47b. A candidate cell 404 temporarily becomes a CM cell if the impact onthat cell's SF DF area meets the cellular TH impact criteria, i.e., ifthat cell's SF deformation meets principal cellular SF DF criteriaembodying the cellular TH impact criteria. The deformation along the SFDF area of each CM cell 404 then causes it to temporarily appear ascolor X for base duration Δt_(drbs) during the changed state.

The DE part of each candidate cell 404 responds to the deformation alongits SF DF area, and thus to object 104 impacting its SF part 406, bydeforming along a cellular internal DF area constituted partly or fullywith its part 474 of interface 284. Since interface 284 is a surface ofISCC structure 132, the deformation of the DE part of each candidatecell 404 along its internal DF area causes its ISCC part to deform. If acandidate cell 404 is a CM cell, the internal deformation of its ISCCpart along its internal DF area causes that CM cell 404 to furthertemporarily appear as color X for extension duration Δt_(drext).Automatic duration Δt_(drau) for that CM cell 404 lengthens fromΔt_(drbs) to Δt_(drbs)+Δt_(drext).

Each CM cell 404 here undergoes the same changed-state light processingas in IDVC portion 138 of OI structure 280. X light leaving each CM cell404 via its part 406 of print area 118 is formed with XRic lightreflected by its ISCC part, any XEic light emitted by its ISCC part, anyXRde passing through its ISCC part, and any XRsb light passing throughits ISCC and DE parts.

FIGS. 48a and 48b illustrate an extension 480 of OI structure 430provided with CC duration extended in a pre-establisheddeformation-controlled manner. OI structure 480 is also an embodiment ofOI structure 300. VC region 106 here contains DE structure 302 lyingbetween overlying IS component 182 and underlying CC component 184 torespectively meet them along interfaces 304 and 306. See FIG. 48 a. Eachcell 404 consists of (a) an ISCC part of ISCC structure 132 and (b) apart, termed a DE part, of DE structure 302, the ISCC part being formedwith (a) an IS part of IS component 182 located above the DE part and(b) a CC part of CC component 184 located below the DE part. Each cell'sIS and DE parts meet along a part 484 of interface 304. Each cell's DEand CC parts meet along a part 486 of interface 306. Each cell's CC partis formed with an NA part of NA layer 204, an NE part of NE structure224, a core part of core layer 222, an FE part of FE structure 226, andan FA part of FA layer 206 deployed as in OI structure 430.

Each cell 404 here operates the same during the normal state as VCregion 106 of OI structure 300. Total ATcc light of each cell 404consists of ARcc light reflected by its CC part, any AEcc light emittedby its CC part, and any ARsb light passing through its CC part. A lightnormally leaving each cell 404 via its SF part 406 is formed with ARcclight passing through its IS and DE parts, any AEcc and ARsb lightpassing through its IS and DE parts, any ARde light passing through itsIS part, and any ARis light reflected by its IS part. Each cell's NA,NE, core, FE, and FA parts here operate the same during the normal stateas in OI structure 430.

The IS part of each cell 404 having its SF part 406 partly or fully inSF DF area 122 responds to object 104 impacting its SF part 406 bydeforming along a cellular SF DF area constituted partly or fully withits SF part 406. See FIG. 48 b. That cell 404 temporarily becomes a CMcell if the cellular TH impact criteria are met, i.e., if the SFdeformation meets principal cellular SF DF criteria embodying thecellular TH impact criteria so that the changed state begins. The ISpart of each CM cell 404 then provides a cellular impact effect, termedthe principal cellular first impact effect. The principal cellular firstimpact effects provided by the IS parts of all CM cells 404 form theprincipal general first impact effect provided by IS component 182 of OIstructure 300 in response to the impact.

The CC part of each CM cell 404 here responds to the cellular firstimpact effect provided from its IS part by changing the same as CCsegment 194 in OI structure 300 changes in response to the general firstimpact effect. Total XTcc light of each CM cell 404 consists of XRcclight reflected by its CC part, any XEcc light emitted by its CC part,and any XRsb light passing through its CC part. X light leaving each CMcell 404 via its part 406 of print area 118 is formed with XRcc lightpassing through its IS and DE parts, any XEcc and XRsb light passingthrough its IS and DE parts, any ARde light passing through its IS part,and any ARis light reflected by its IS part. This enables each CM cell404 to temporarily appear as color X for base duration Δt_(drbs) as VCregion 106 enters the changed state. The NA, NE, core, FE, and FA partsof each CM cell 404 here operate the same during the changed state as inOI structure 430.

The DE part of each candidate cell 404 responds to the deformation alongits SF DF area, and thus to object 104 impacting its SF part 406, bydeforming along an ID internal DF area constituted partly or fully withits IF part 484. Since interface 304 is also a surface of IS component182, the deformation of the DE part of each candidate cell 404 along itsinternal DF area causes its IS part to deform. For each candidate cell404 constituting a CM cell, its IS part responds to the deformationalong its internal DF area by providing another cellular impact effect,termed the principal cellular second impact effect. The CC part of eachCM cell 404 responds to its principal cellular second impact effect bycausing it to further temporarily appear as color X for extensionduration Δt_(drext). Automatic duration Δt_(drau) again lengthens toΔt_(drbs)+Δt_(drext). The light processing in each CM cell 404 is thesame during extension duration Δt_(drext) as during base durationΔt_(drbs).

FIGS. 49a and 49b illustrate an extension 490 of both OI structure 440and OI structure 470. OI structure 490, also an embodiment of OIstructure 320, is configured the same as structure 470 except that VCregion 106 here contains SF structure 242 extending from SF zone 112 toISCC structure 132 so as to meet it along interface 244. See FIG. 49 a.SF structure 242 is again configured and operable the same as in OIstructure 440. Each cell 404 consists of an SS part of SF structure 242,the underlying ISCC part of ISCC structure 132, and the furtherunderlying DE part of DE structure 282.

Each cell 404 here operates the same during the normal state as VCregion 106 in OI structure 320. Total ATic light of each cell 404consists of ARic light reflected by its ISCC part, any AEic lightemitted by its ISCC part, any ARde light passing through its ISCC part,and any ARsb light passing through its ISCC and DE parts. A lightnormally leaving each cell 404 via its SF part 406 is formed with ARiclight passing through its SS part, any AEic, ARde, and ARsb lightpassing through its SS part, and any ARss light reflected by its SSpart.

SF structure 242 deforms along SF DF area 122 in response to object 104impacting OC area 116. See FIG. 49 b. The attendant excess SF pressurealong area 116 is transmitted through structure 242 to produce excessinternal pressure along DP IF area 256. Each cell 404 having its IF part444 partly or fully in area 256 specifically deforms along a firstcellular internal DF area constituted partly or fully with its IF part444, thereby becoming a candidate for a CM cell. A candidate cell 404temporarily becomes a CM cell if the internal deformation along thatcell's first internal DF area meets cellular internal DF criteriaembodying the cellular TH impact criteria. The internal deformationalong the first internal DF area of each CM cell 404 causes it totemporarily appear as color X for base duration Δt_(drbs) as the changedstate begins.

The DE part of each candidate cell 404 responds to the deformation alongits first internal DF area, and thus to the impact, by deforming along asecond cellular internal DF area constituted partly or fully with its IFpart 474. Consequently, the ISCC part of each candidate cell 404 deformsalong its second cellular internal DF area. If a candidate cell 404 is aCM cell, the deformation of its ISCC part along its second internal DFarea causes it to further temporarily appear as color X for extensionduration Δt_(drext). Automatic duration Δt_(drau) for that CM cell 404is lengthened to Δt_(drbs)+Δt_(drext).

Each CM cell 404 here undergoes the same changed-state light processingas in IDVC portion 138 of OI structure 320. Total XTic light of each CMcell 404 consists of XRic light reflected by its ISCC part, any XEiclight emitted by its ISCC part, any XRde light passing through its ISCCpart, and any XRsb light passing through its ISCC and DE parts. X lighttemporarily leaving each CM cell 404 via its part 406 of print area 118is formed with XRic light passing through its SS part, any XEic, XRde,and XRsb light passing through its SS part, and any ARss light reflectedby its SS part.

FIGS. 50a and 50b illustrate an extension 500 of both OI structure 460and OI structure 480. OI structure 500, also an embodiment of OIstructure 330, is configured the same as structure 480 except that VCregion 106 here contains SF structure 242 extending from SF zone 112 toISCC structure 132 to meet it, specifically IS component 182, alonginterface 244. See FIG. 50 a. Structure 242 here is configured andoperable the same as in OI structure 460 and thus the same as in OIstructure 440. Each cell 404 consists of an SS part of SF structure 242,an ISCC part of ISCC structure 132, and a DE part of DE structure 302,the ISCC part being formed with (a) an IS part of IS component 182located below the SS part and above the DE part (b) a CC part of CCcomponent 184 located below the DE part. Each cell's CC part is formedwith an NA part of NA layer 204, an NE part of NE structure 224, a corepart of core layer 222, an FE part of FE structure 226, and an FA partof FA layer 206 deployed as in OI structure 480.

Each cell 404 here operates the same during the normal state as VCregion 106 in OI structure 330. Total ATcc light of each cell 404consists of ARcc light reflected by its CC part, any AEcc light emittedby its CC part, and any ARsb light passing through its CC part. TotalATic light normally leaving the IS part of each cell 404, and thus itsISCC part, via its IF part 444 consists of ARcc light passing throughits IS and DE parts, any AEcc and ARsb light passing through its IS andDE parts, any ARde light passing through its IS part, and any ARis lightreflected by its IS part. A light normally leaving each cell 404 via itsSF part 406 is formed with ARcc light passing through its SS part, anyAEcc, ARis, ARde, and ARsb light passing through its SS part, and anyARss light reflected by its SS part. Each cell's NA, NE, core, FE, andFA parts here operate the same during the normal state as in OIstructure 460 and hence as in OI structure 430.

SF structure 242 here again deforms along SF DF area 122 in response tothe impact. See FIG. 50 b. As in OI structure 270, the attendant excessSF pressure along OC area 116 is transmitted through SF structure 242 toproduce excess internal pressure along DP IF area 256. Because internalPS surface 244 is a surface of IS component 182, it deforms along area256. Each cell 404 having its IF part 444 partly or fully in area 256specifically deforms along a first cellular internal DF area constitutedpartly or fully with its IF part 444 so as to become a candidate for aCM cell. A candidate cell 404 again temporarily becomes a CM cell if thedeformation along that cell's first internal DF area meets cellularinternal DF criteria embodying the cellular TH impact criteria. The ISpart of each CM cell 404 provides a cellular impact effect, again termedthe principal cellular first impact effect. Responsive to the principalcellular first impact effect, the CC part of each CM cell 404 changes sothat it temporarily appears as color X for base duration Δt_(drbs) asthe changed state begins.

The DE part of each candidate cell 404 responds to the deformation alongits first internal DF area, and thus to object 104 impacting its SF part406, by deforming along an ID second cellular internal DF areaconstituted partly or fully with its IF part 484. Accordingly, the ISCCpart of each candidate cell 404 deforms along its second cellularinternal DF area. If a candidate cell 404 is a CM cell, its IS partresponds to the deformation along its second internal DF area byproviding another cellular impact effect, again termed the principalcellular second impact effect. The CC part of each CM cell 404 respondsto its principal cellular second impact effect by causing it to furthertemporarily appear as color X for extension duration Δt_(drext).Automatic duration Δt_(drau) is again lengthened toΔt_(drbs)+Δt_(drext).

Each CM cell 404 here undergoes the same changed-state light processingas in IDVC portion 138 of OI structure 330. Total XTcc light of each CMcell 404 consists of XRcc light reflected by its CC part, any XEcc lightemitted by its CC part, and any XRsb light passing through its CC part.Total XTic light leaving the IS part of each CM cell 404, and thus itsISCC part, via its IF part 444 consists of XRcc light passing throughits IS and DE parts, any AEcc and ARsb light passing through its IS andDE parts, any ARde light passing through its IS part, and any ARis lightreflected by its IS part. X light leaving each CM cell 404 via its part406 of print area 118 is formed with XRcc light passing through its SSpart, any XEcc, ARis, ARde, and XRsb light passing through its SS part,and any ARss light reflected by its SS part. The NA, NE, core, FE, andFA parts of each CM cell 404 here operate the same during the changedstate as in OI structure 460 and thus as in OI structure 430. The lightprocessing in each CM cell 404 is again the same during both durationsΔt_(drbs) and Δt_(drext).

FIG. 51 presents a more detailed side cross section of a typicalembodiment 510 of ISCC structure 132 in OI structure 410, 440, 470, or490. With ISCC structure 510 allocated into a multiplicity of ISCCparts, one for each cell 404, each ISCC part is indicated by referencesymbol 512. Each ISCC cell part 512 has a lateral (side) part boundary514, indicated in dotted line, extending along that part's “length” froma near part area 516 to a far part area 518. Each near part area 516constitutes a portion of SF zone 112 in OI structure 410 or 470 or aportion of interface 244 in OI structure 440 or 490. Each far part area518 constitutes a portion of interface 136 in structure 410 or 440 or aportion of interface 284 in structure 470 or 490.

Each ISCC cell part 512 contains a central ISCC cell sector 522 having alateral (side) sector boundary 524 extending along that sector's lengthfrom a near sector area 526 to a far sector area 528. Sector area 526 or528 in each cell part 512 constitutes a portion of its part area 516 or518. Lateral boundary 524 of each central ISCC cell sector 522 usuallyextends perpendicular to its sector area 526 or 528. Sector area 526 or528 in each cell 404 is smaller than its part 406 of SF zone 112 andusually outwardly conforms laterally to its SF part 406.

An isolating region 532 of ISCC structure 510 laterally separates ISCCcell sectors 522 from one another along at least parts of their lengths.ISCC isolating region 532 specifically laterally surrounds sectors 522of interior cells 404 along at least parts of their sector lengths andextends laterally at least partly around sectors 522 of peripheral cells404 likewise along at least parts of their sector lengths. In theexample of FIG. 51, isolating region 532 fully laterally surrounds everycell sector 522 along its entire length. Region 532 can, however, extendalong parts of the sector lengths so that adjacent sectors 522 adjoinone another along the remainders of their sector lengths. Region 532,which typically consists of insulating material but can be open space ora combination of open space and insulating material, usually laterallyelectrically insulates (or isolates) sectors 522 from one another to theextent that region 532 extends along the sector lengths.

A different portion 534 of isolating region 532 is allocated to eachISCC cell part 512 and extends along its ISCC sector 522 such thatisolating portions 534 of adjoining cell parts 512 merge seamlessly intoone another. Each part 512 is formed with its sector 522 and itsisolating portion 534. Isolating portion 534 of each cell part 512specifically extends from its lateral sector boundary 524 to its lateralpart boundary 514 and from a near isolating area 536 to a far isolatingarea 538. In the example of FIG. 51, each near isolating area 536constitutes part of SF zone 112 in OI structure 410 or 470 or part ofinterface 244 in OI structure 440 or 490 while each far isolating area538 constitutes part of interface 136 in structure 410 or 440 or part ofinterface 284 in structure 470 or 490. Area 516 or 518 of each cell part512 consists of its sector area 526 or 528 and its isolating area 536 or538.

Sector area 526 or 528 in each ISCC cell part 512 is of much greaterarea than its isolating area 536 or 538. The CC characteristics of eachcell 404 are largely determined by its ISCC sector 522. In this regard,lateral part boundaries 514 are usually defined such that lateralboundary 514 of each cell part 512 is spaced apart from, and thus liesaround typically concentrically, its lateral sector boundary 524. Lightstriking SF part 406 of each cell 404 either directly strikes its nearpart area 516, as occurs in OI structure 410 or 470, or at least partlypasses through its SS part and strikes its area 516, as occurs in OIstructure 440 or 490. During both the normal and changed states, eachisolating portion 534 may reflect light, termed ARim light, which leavesit along its near isolating area 536 after striking that area 536. ARimlight can be the same as ARic or XRic light or significantly differ fromboth ARic and XRic light.

The light, termed ADic* light, normally leaving each ISCC cell sector522 via its near sector area 526 after being reflected or/and emitted bythat sector 522 consists of (a) light, termed ARic* light, normallyreflected by that sector 522 so as to leave it via its area 526 afterstriking its area 526 and (b) light (if any), termed AEic* light,normally emitted by that sector 522 so as to leave it via its area 526.ADic* light excludes any ARsb light and, in OI structures 470 and 490,any ARde light.

ADic light leaving each ISCC cell part 512 via its near part area 516during the normal state consists of ADic* and ARim light leaving itrespectively via its near areas 526 and 536. To the extent that ADic*and ARim light differ, areas 516 are preferably sufficiently small thatthe standard human eye/brain interprets the combination of ADic* andARim light as a single species of light. Because near sector area 526 ineach cell part 512 is much larger than its near isolating area 536, ADiclight normally provided by each cell part 512 consists largely of itsADic* light. ARic light is largely ARic* light while any AEic light isAEic* light.

Each cell 404 meeting the cellular TH impact criteria and temporarilybecoming a CM cell, sometimes also requiring that the below-describedprincipal supplemental impact criteria be met, undergoes changes bywhich light, termed XDic* light, materially different from A, ADic, andADic* light leaves its ISCC sector 522 via its near sector area 526during the changed state after being reflected or/and emitted by thatsector 522. XDic* light consists of (a) light, termed XRic* light,temporarily reflected by that sector 522 so as to leave it via its area526 after striking its area 526 and (b) light (if any), termed XEic*light, temporarily emitted by that sector 522 so as to leave it via itsarea 526. XDic* light excludes any XRsb light and, in OI structures 470and 490, any XRde light.

XDic light leaving ISCC cell part 512 of each CM cell 404 via its nearpart area 516 during the changed state consists of XDic* and ARim lightleaving it respectively via its near areas 526 and 536. To the extentthat XDic* and ARim light differ, the standard human eye/braininterprets the combination of XDic* and ARim light as a single speciesof light if, as preferably occurs, the standard human eye/braininterprets the combination of ADic* and ARim light as a single speciesof light. Since near sector area 526 in each cell part 512 is muchlarger than its near isolating area 536, XDic light temporarily providedby cell part 512 of each CM cell 404 consists largely of its XDic*light. XRic light is largely XRic* light while any XEic light is XEic*light. Because XDic* light differs materially from ADic* light, XDiclight differs materially from ADic light even though both of theminclude ARim light.

Determination of both total ATic light normally leaving each ISCC cellpart 512 via its near part area 516 and total XTic light temporarilyleaving part 512 of each CM cell 404 via its area 516 involves spatialmixing of any light reflected by substructure 134 and, if present, DEstructure 282 and becomes quite complex. Nevertheless, the relationshipbetween ATic and XTic light is the same as the relationship between ADicand XDic light. Because XDic* light differs materially from ADic* light,XTic light differs materially from ATic light. X light differsmaterially from A light even though both of them include ARim light.

Each ISCC cell sector 522 can be embodied as a single material formedwith IS CR or CE material such as piezochromic or piezochromicluminescent/piezoluminescent material. Sector 522 of each CM cell 404then operates the same during the changed state as ID segment 142 ofISCC structure 132 in OI structure 130 when ISCC structure 132 isembodied as a single material formed with IS CR or CE material.

FIG. 52 presents a more detailed side cross section of a typicalembodiment 540 of ISCC structure 132 in OI structure 420 or 450. ISCCstructure 540 is also an embodiment of ISCC structure 510. Each ISCCcell part 512 here consists of (a) an IS part 542 of IS component 182and (b) a CC part 544 of CC component 184. Each IS part 542 contains acentral IS cell sector 552 formed with the portion of that part's ISCCcell sector 522 in IS component 182. Each CC part 544 contains a centralCC cell sector 554 formed with the portion of that part's cell sector522 in CC component 184.

Light striking near sector areas 526 passes at least partly through ISparts 542 and strikes interface 186. The light, termed ADcc* light,normally leaving each central CC cell sector 554 via a part 556 ofinterface 186 after being reflected or/and emitted by that sector 554consists of (a) light, termed ARcc* light, normally reflected by thatsector 554 so as to leave it via its IF part 556 after striking its part556 and (b) light (if any), termed AEcc* light, normally emitted by thatsector 554 so as to leave it via its IF part 556. ADcc* light excludesany ARsb light.

ADcc* light provided by CC sector 554 of each cell 404 passes insubstantial part through its central IS sector 552. Including any ARislight reflected by sector 552 of each cell 404 and any ARim lightreflected by its isolating portion 534, ADic light normally leaving itsISCC cell part 512 via its near part area 516 here consists of ADcc*light and any ARis and ARim light. Areas 516 are preferably sufficientlysmall that the standard human eye/brain interprets ADcc* light combinedwith any ARis and ARim light as a single species of light. Because nearsector area 526 in each cell part 512 is much larger than its nearisolating area 536, ADic light normally provided by each cell part 512here consists largely of ADcc* light and any ARis light. ARic light islargely ARcc* light combined with any ARis light while any AEic light isAEcc* light.

IS sector 552 of each cell 404 meeting the cellular TH impact criteriaprovides its cellular impact effect so that it temporarily becomes a CMcell directly or upon the supplemental impact criteria also being met ifthey are used. CC sector 554 of each CM cell 404 responds either to itscellular impact effect or to a cellular CC initiation signal, orcellular CC control signal, generated if the supplemental impactcriteria are met by changing so that light, termed XDcc* light,materially different from A, ADic, ADic*, ADcc, and ADcc* light leavesits sector 554 via its IF part 556 during the changed state after beingreflected or/and emitted by its sector 554. XDcc* light consists of (a)light, termed XRcc* light, temporarily reflected by each sector 554 soas to leave it via its IF part 556 after striking its part 556 and (b)light (if any), termed XEcc* light, temporarily emitted by that sector554 so as to leave it via its IF part 556. XDcc* light excludes any XRsblight.

XDcc* light provided by CC sector 554 of each CM cell 404 passes insubstantial part through its IS sector 552. Including any ARis lightreflected by sector 552 of each CM cell 404 and any ARim light reflectedby its isolating portion 534, XDic light temporarily leaving its ISCCcell part 512 via its near part area 516 consists of XDcc* light and anyARis and ARim light. The standard human eye/brain interprets XDcc* lightcombined with any ARis and ARim light as a single species of light if,as preferably occurs, the standard human eye/brain interprets ADcc*light combined with any ARis and ARim light as a single species oflight. Since near sector area 526 in each cell part 512 is much largerthan its near isolating area 536, XDic light temporarily provided bycell part 512 of each CM cell 404 consists largely of XDcc* light andany ARis light. XRic light is largely XRcc* light combined with any ARislight while any XEic light is XEcc* light. Because XDcc* light differsmaterially from ADcc* light, XDic light differs materially from ADiclight even though both of them again include ARim light. For the reasonspresented above in regard to FIG. 51, total XTic light temporarilyleaving cell part 512 of each CM cell 404 differs materially from totalATic light normally leaving each cell part 512. X light differsmaterially from A light.

IS sector 552 of each cell 404 can be implemented the same as IScomponent 182 in FIG. 24a so as to consist of piezoelectric structure(374) for providing that cell's cellular impact effect as at least acellular electrical effect resulting from excess pressure of object 104impacting OC area 116. Alternatively, sector 552 of each cell 404 can beimplemented the same as component 182 in FIG. 24b so as to consist ofpiezoelectric structure (374) and effect-modifying structure (376). Thepiezoelectric structure provides an initial cellular electrical effectresulting from excess pressure of the impact if it causes that cell 404to meet the cellular TH impact criteria. The effect-modifying structuremodifies the initial electrical effect to produce a modified cellularelectrical effect as at least part of that cell's cellular impacteffect.

CC sector 554 of each cell 404 can be embodied in any of the waysdescribed above for embodying CC component 184. For instance, eachsector 554 can be embodied as reduced-size CR CC structure in the sameway that component 184 is embodied as a CR CC component. Sector 554 ofeach cell 404 then normally reflects light having at least a majoritycomponent of wavelength for color A for causing that cell 404 tonormally appear as color A. Sector 554 of each CM cell 404 responds (a)in some cellular OI embodiments to its cellular impact effect for theimpact meeting its cellular TH impact criteria or (b) in other cellularOI embodiments to its cellular CC control signal generated in responseto its impact effect sometimes dependent on other criteria also beingmet in those other embodiments by temporarily reflecting light having atleast a majority component of wavelength for color X for causing that CMcell 404 to temporarily appear as color X.

Each CC sector 554 can alternatively be embodied as reduced-size CE CCstructure in the same way that CC component 184 is embodied as a CE CCcomponent. If so, sector 554 of each CM cell 404 responds (a) in somecellular OI embodiments to its cellular impact effect or (b) in othercellular OI embodiments to its cellular CC control signal generated inresponse to its impact effect sometimes dependent on both its cellularTH impact criteria and other criteria being met by temporarily emittinglight having at least a majority component of wavelength for color X forcausing that CM cell 404 to temporarily appear as color X. In this case,sector 554 of each cell 404 may normally either reflect or emit lighthaving at least a majority component of wavelength for color A forcausing that cell 404 to normally appear as color A.

FIG. 53 presents a more detailed side cross section of a typicalembodiment 560 of ISCC structure 132 in OI structure 430 or 460. ISCCstructure 560 is also an embodiment of ISCC structure 540. Each ISCCcell part 512 here consists of IS part 542 and CC part 544 formed withan AB part 562 of assembly 202, an NA part 564 of NA layer 204, an FApart 566 of FA layer 206, and an isolating part 568 of isolating portion534 of that cell part 512. Isolating part 568 of each CC part 544largely laterally surrounds its AB part 562. Isolating region 532thereby laterally isolates, and laterally insulates, AB parts 562 fromone another. Isolating part 568 of each CC part 544 may or may notlaterally surround its NA part 564 and may or may not laterally surroundits FA part 566 as indicated in FIG. 53 by dashed-line extensions of itsisolating part 568 into its auxiliary parts 564 and 566.

AB part 562 of each CC part 544 consists of a core section 572 of corelayer 222, a near electrode 574 of NE structure 224, and a far electrode576 of FE structure 226. Electrodes 574 and 576 in each AB part 562 aresituated generally opposite each other. Core section 572 in each part562 lies at least partly between its electrodes 574 and 576. In theexample of FIG. 53, all of section 572 in each part 562 lies between itselectrodes 574 and 576. Layer 222 consists of sections 572 and thelaterally adjacent material of isolating region 532. NE structure 224consists of near electrodes 574 and the laterally adjacent material ofregion 532. FE structure 226 consists of far electrodes 576 and thelaterally adjacent material of region 532. Electrodes 574 and 576usually adjoin region 532 along their entire lateral peripheries.

Electrodes 574 and 576 in each cell 404 are respectively at controllablevoltages V_(n) and V_(f) so that control voltage V_(nf) equal to voltagedifference V_(n)−V_(f) is applied across that cell's core section 572.Voltages V_(n) and V_(f) for each cell 404 are normally at respectivenormal control values V_(nN) and V_(fN) so that its electrodes 574 and576 normally apply normal control value V_(nfN) across that cell's coresection 572. This enables light having at least a majority component ofwavelength for color A to normally leave section 572 of each cell 404along its near electrode 574. Each cell 404 normally appears as color A.

A cellular CC voltage is provided for each CM cell 404 directly inresponse to its cellular impact effect provided by its IS sector 552 orfrom a CC initiation signal generated in response to the supplementalimpact criteria, if used, being met. Providing the cellular CC voltagefor each CM cell 404 entails changing its control voltage V_(nf) tochanged value V_(nfC) materially different from its normal valueV_(nfN). When provided directly in response to the cellular impacteffect, the cellular CC voltage of each CM cell 404 can be generated byvarious parts of that CM cell 404, e.g., by its sector 552 or by aportion, such as its NA part 564, of its CC part 544. Core section 572of each CM cell 404 responds to its cellular CC voltage by enablinglight having at least a majority component of wavelength for color X totemporarily leave that CM cell 404 along its near electrode 574. Each CMcell 404 temporarily appears as color X.

Determination of both total ATcc light normally leaving CC part 544 ofeach cell 404 via its IF part 424 and total XTcc light temporarilyleaving part 544 of each CM cell 404 via its IF part 424 during thechanged state becomes quite complex due to spatial mixing of lightvariously provided by its cell parts 564, 566, 568, 572, 574, and 576and any light reflected by substructure 134 and, if present, DEstructure 282. However, by arranging for parts 564, 566, 572, 574, and576 of each cell 404 to operate so that XDcc* light differs materiallyfrom ADcc* light, XTcc light differs materially from ATcc light. TotalXTic light then differs materially from total ATcc light so that X lightdiffers materially from A light even though both of them again includeARim light.

ISCC structure 132 in OI structure 480 or 500 can be embodied the sameas ISCC structure 560 except that DE structure 302 lies betweencomponents 182 and 184. A DE part of structure 302 then lies betweenparts 542 and 544 of each cell 404. By arranging for parts 564, 566,572, 574, and 576 of each cell 404 to operate so that XDcc* lightdiffers materially from ADcc* light, XTcc light differs materially fromATcc light. Total XTic light again differs materially from total ATcclight so that X light differs materially from A light.

IS part 542, auxiliary parts 564 and 566, core section 572, andelectrodes 574 and 576 in each cell 404 can respectively be embodied inany of the ways described above for embodying IS component 182,auxiliary layers 204 and 206, core layer 222, and electrode structures224 and 226 subject to (a) structures 224 and 226 being embodied aselectrodes, (b) the general impact effect provided by component 182being embodied as the cellular impact effect provided by that cell's ISsector 552, and (c) the general CC control signal applied to structures224 and 226 being embodied as the cellular CC voltage applied to thatcell's electrodes 574 and 576.

As one example, core section 572 of each cell 404 consists of asupporting medium and a multiplicity of particles distributed in themedium. The particles in each cell 404 normally reflect ARcl light suchthat ATcl light formed with the ARcl light and anyFE-structure-reflected ARfe light passing through layer that cell'ssection 572 is a majority component of A light. The particles in each CMcell 404 translate or/and rotate in response to the cellular CC voltageso as to temporarily reflect XRcl light such that total XTcl lightformed with XRcl light and any FE-segment-reflected XRfe light passingthrough that cell's section 572 is a majority component of X light. ARcland XRcl light are usually respective majority components of A and Xlight.

As another example, core section 572 of each cell 404 contains a liquidnormally in a first cell-liquid shape for causing that cell's section572 to reflect ARcl light such that ATcl light formed with the ARcllight and any FE-structure-reflected ARfe light passing through thatcell's section 572 is a majority component of A light. The liquid ineach CM cell 404 changes to a second cell-liquid shape materiallydifferent from the first cell-liquid shape in response to the cellularCC voltage. This causes section 572 of each CM cell 404 to temporarilyreflect XRcl light so that total XTcl light formed with XRcl light andany FE-segment-reflected XRfe light passing through that cell's section572 is a majority component of X light.

The cell architecture of OI structure 400 has various advantages. Theboundary of print area 118 defined by cell SF parts 406 is clear. Thecolor can change along SF part 406 of any cell 404 without changingcolor along SF part 406 of any neighboring cell 404 not intended toundergo color change. The ambit of materials suitable for implementingOI structure 100 is increased because there is no need to limit VCregion 106, especially IS component 182, to materials for which theeffect of the impact does not laterally spread significantly beyond OCarea 116. Any desired print accuracy can be achieved by adjusting lineardensity N_(L) of cells 404 in the row and column directions. If thecellular TH impact criteria are intended to vary along SF zone 112,neighboring cells 404 can readily be provided with different cellular THimpact criteria. Different shades of the embodiments of colors A and Xoccurring in the absence of ARis light can be created by varying thereflection characteristics of the IS parts, specifically the wavelengthand intensity characteristics of ARis light, without changing the CCparts.

Adjustment of Changed-State Duration

FIGS. 54a and 54b present block diagram/layout views of aninformation-presentation structure 600 consisting of OI structure 100and a principal general CC duration controller 602 for adjustingduration Δt_(dr) of the changed state subsequent to impact. “IP”hereafter means information-presentation. A network 604 of communicationpaths extends from VC region 106 to general CC duration controller 602in IP structure 600. “COM” hereafter means communication. See FIG. 54 a.A network 606 of COM paths extends from controller 602 back to region106. In the absence of adjustment caused by controller 602, CC durationΔt_(dr) would be at a preset value equal to automatic value Δt_(drau).

Controller 602 responds to external instruction 608 and to object 104impacting OC area 116 by controlling the IDVC portion (138),specifically the ID ISCC segment (142), to adjust CC duration Δt_(dr).See FIG. 54 b. The resultant adjusted value Δt_(dradj) of durationΔt_(dr) differs from automatic value Δt_(drau). Duration Δt_(dr) isusually lengthened. Adjusted value Δt_(dradj) is then greater thanautomatic value Δt_(drau), typically greater than the high end of theprincipal pre-established CC duration range mentioned above. DurationΔt_(dr) can be shortened so that adjusted value Δt_(dradj) is less thanvalue Δt_(drau), typically less than the low end of the principalΔt_(dr) range. In either case, external instruction 608 is supplied tocontroller 602 after duration Δt_(dr) begins, i.e., after the colorchange occurs, and before automatic value Δt_(drau) would otherwiseterminate. After duration Δt_(dr) ends, controller 602 automaticallyreturns the preset value of duration Δt_(dr) to automatic valueΔt_(drau) in preparation for the next impact.

Instruction 608, formed with one or more individual instructions, cancause CC duration Δt_(dr) to continue in various time-dependent ways.Instruction 608 can be provided essentially instantaneously tocontroller 602 for causing duration Δt_(dr) to continue for a selectedtime increment after which duration Δt_(dr) automatically terminates. Ifit is desired that duration Δt_(dr) extend beyond this terminationpoint, instruction 608 can be renewed prior to the expected terminationso that duration Δt_(dr) continues for another such time increment afterwhich duration Δt_(dr) again automatically terminates. The instructionrenewal process can, if desired, continue indefinitely or be limited toa prescribed number of renewals.

Instruction 608 can be generated so that CC duration Δt_(dr) continuesindefinitely until instruction 608 changes in a way intended to causeduration Δt_(dr) to terminate. For example, instruction 608 can becontinuously supplied to controller 602 for causing duration Δt_(dr) tocontinue until instruction 608 ceases being supplied to controller 602.Alternatively, instruction 608 can be supplied essentiallyinstantaneously in one form to controller 602 for causing durationΔt_(dr) to continue indefinitely. Instruction 608 is later suppliedessentially instantaneously to controller 602 in another form forcausing duration Δt_(dr) to terminate.

In some embodiments of IP structure 600, instruction 608 can befurnished to controller 602 after automatic value Δt_(drau) of durationΔt_(dr) ends and thus after the IDVC portion (138) has started returningto appearing as principal color A, usually provided that controller 602receives instruction 608 no later than a specified time period afterimpact at time t_(ip), after object separation is just completed at OStime t_(os), or after duration Δt_(dr) begins at forward XN end timet_(fe). The IDVC portion then returns to appearing as changed color X inaccordance with instruction 608. After the so-interrupted version ofduration Δt_(dr) finally ends, controller 602 again automaticallyreturns the preset value of duration Δt_(dr) to automatic valueΔt_(drau).

Typically human originated, instruction 608 can be furnished in variousways to controller 602. A person can manually address one or moreinstruction-input elements, such as sliders, keys, switches or/andbuttons, on controller 602 to provide it with instruction 608. A personcan manually touch a touch-sensitive area of controller 602 with aninstructing object to provide it with instruction 608. The instructingobject can be a finger or other part of the person's body or anelectronic instructing object. Controller 602 can have a sensitive area,e.g., capacitively sensitive, for receiving instruction 608 by having aperson bring an instructing object, again such as a finger or other partof the person's body or an electronic instructing object, suitably closeto, but not necessarily in contact with, the sensitive area. A personcan generate instruction 608 by using a radiation-emitting element todirect radiation such as light or IR radiation onto aradiation-sensitive area of controller 602.

Instruction 608 can be provided to controller 602 by human voice.Controller 602 can be coded to respond (a) only to the voice of aselected person or any person in a selected group of people and thus notinterpret any other such voice or sound as instruction 608 or/and (b)only to selected words and therefore not interpret any other word(s) asinstruction 608. Controller 602 can receive instruction 608 via a remotedevice in communication with controller 602. A person can provideinstruction 608 to the remote device in any of the ways, including byhuman voice, for providing instruction 608 directly to controller 602.The remote device converts that instruction into instruction 608 andtransmits it to controller 602 via a COM path. Also, instruction 608 canbe provided to other CC controllers described below in any way forproviding instruction 608 to controller 602.

IP structure 600 operates as follows. The IDVC portion (138) temporarilyappears as color X if the impact of object 104 on OC area 116 meets theprincipal basic TH impact criteria. When VC region 106 includesstructure besides the ISCC structure (132), the ID ISCC segment (142)specifically causes the IDVC portion to temporarily appear as color X ifthe basic TH impact criteria are met. The IDVC portion, specifically theISCC segment, provides a principal general location-identifying impactsignal in response to the impact if it meets the basic TH impactcriteria. “LI” hereafter means location-identifying. The general LIimpact signal, transmitted via COM network 604 to controller 602,identifies the location of print area 118 along SF zone 112. Thisidentification usually arises because the origination of the impactsignal from the ISCC segment provides information identifying where theIDVC portion is located laterally in region 106 and thus where area 118is located in zone 112.

If controller 602 receives instruction 608, controller 602 responds toinstruction 608 and to the general LI impact signal by providing aprincipal general CC duration signal transmitted via COM network 606 tothe IDVC portion (138), specifically the ID ISCC segment (142), foradjusting CC duration Δt_(dr) subsequent to impact. The IDVC portionresponds to the general CC duration signal by continuing to appear ascolor X in accordance with instruction 608. When VC region 106 containsstructure besides the ISCC structure (132), the ISCC segmentspecifically causes the IDVC portion to continue appearing as color X inaccordance with instruction 608. If instruction 608 later changes to aform intended to cause duration Δt_(dr) to terminate, the IDVC portionreturns to appearing as color A. If instruction 608 is not supplied tocontroller 602, the IDVC portion simply returns to appearing as color Awhen automatic value Δt_(drau) expires.

FIGS. 55-58 present composite block diagrams/side cross sections. FIG.55 illustrates an embodiment 610 of IP structure 600 responding toinstruction 608. IP structure 610 is also an extension of OI structure130 to include controller 602. VC region 106 here consists solely ofISCC structure 132 in which IDVC portion 138/ISCC segment 142 suppliesthe general LI impact signal to controller 602 via network 604 if thebasic TH impact criteria are met and receives the general CC durationsignal from controller 602 via network 606. Subject to portion138/segment 142 supplying the impact signal and receiving the durationsignal, region 106/structure 132 here usually contains components 182and 184 as in OI structure 180.

FIG. 56 depicts an embodiment 620 of IP structure 600 responding toinstruction 608. IP structure 620 is also an extension of OI structure200 to include controller 602. VC region 106 here consists solely ofISCC structure 132 formed with IS component 182 and CC component 184consisting of subcomponents 204, 224, 222, 226, and 206. ID segments214, 234, 232, 236, and 216 of subcomponents 204, 224, 222, 226, and 206are not labeled in FIG. 56 due to spacing limitations. See FIG. 12b foridentifying segments 214, 234, 232, 236, and 216 in FIG. 56.

IS segment 192 supplies the LI impact signal to controller 602 vianetwork 604 if the basic TH impact criteria are met. Electrode segments234 and 236 of CC segment 194 receive the general CC duration signalfrom controller 602 via network 606. The duration signal causes voltageV_(nf) for IDVC portion 138/ISCC segment 142 to be maintained at changedvalue V_(nfC) or sufficiently close to it that CC duration Δt_(dr)continues in accordance with instruction 608. Subject to IS segment 192supplying the impact signal and CC segment 194 receiving the durationsignal, components 182 and 184 here can be embodied in any way describedabove for embodying them in OI structure 200.

FIG. 57 depicts an embodiment 630 of IP structure 600 responding toinstruction 608. IP structure 630 is also an extension of OI structure240 to include controller 602 and an extension of IP structure 610 toinclude SF structure 242. VC region 106 here consists of ISCC structure132 and SF structure 242. ISCC structure 132 and controller 602 here areconfigured, operate, and interact the same as in IP structure 610. SFstructure 242 here is configured and functions the same as in OIstructure 240. When ISCC structure 132 functions as a PSCC structure,ISCC segment 142 supplies the general LI impact signal to controller 602if the excess internal pressure along DP IF area 256 meets the excessinternal pressure criteria that embody the basic TH impact criteria.

An IP structure formed with controller 602 and OI structure 280containing ISCC structure 132 and DE structure 282 can be implemented inthe same way as IP structure 630. An IP structure formed with controller602 and OI structure 320 containing ISCC structure 132, SF structure242, and DE structure 282 can also be implemented in the same way as IPstructure 630.

FIG. 58 depicts an embodiment 640 of IP structure 600 responding toinstruction 608. IP structure 640 is also an extension of OI structure270 to include controller 602 and an extension of IP structure 620 toinclude SF structure 242. VC region 106 here thus includes ISCCstructure 132 formed with IS component 182 and CC component 184consisting of subcomponents 204, 224, 222, 226, and 206. See FIG. 12bfor identifying their ID segments 214, 234, 232, 236, and 216 notlabeled in FIG. 58 due to spacing limitations. Components 182 and 184and controller 602 here are configured, operate, and interact the sameas in IP structure 620. SF structure 242 here is configured andfunctions the same as in OI structure 270. When ISCC structure 132functions as a PSCC structure, IS segment 192 supplies the LI impactsignal to controller 602 if the excess internal pressure criteria aremet.

An IP structure formed with controller 602 and OI structure 300containing DE structure 302 and ISCC structure 132 formed with IScomponent 182 and CC component 184 consisting of subcomponents 204, 224,222, 226, and 206 can be implemented the same as IP structure 640 exceptthat DE structure 302 lies between components 182 and 184. An IPstructure formed with controller 602 and OI structure 330 containing SFstructure 242, DE structure 302, and ISCC structure 132 formed with IScomponent 182 and CC component 184 consisting of subcomponents 204, 224,222, 226, and 206 can also be implemented the same as IP structure 640again except that DE structure 302 lies between components 182 and 184.

FIGS. 59a and 59b present block diagram/layout views of an IP structure650 consisting of OI structure 400 and a principal cell CC durationcontroller 652 responsive to instruction 608 for adjusting CC durationsΔt_(dr) of CM cells 404, i.e., cells 404 in ID group 138*. IP structure650 is also an embodiment of IP structure 600 for which cell CC durationcontroller 652 embodies general duration controller 602. Referring toFIG. 59 a, a network 654 of COM paths extends from all cells 404 tocontroller 652. A network 656 of COM paths extends from controller 652back to all cells 404. Each COM network 654 or 656 usually includes aset of row COM paths, each connected to a different row of cells 404,and a set of column COM paths, each connected to a different column ofcells 404. Absence adjustment caused by controller 652, duration Δt_(dr)for each cell 404 would be at a preset value equal to automatic valueΔt_(drau) for that cell 404. Automatic value Δt_(drau) for each cell 404from impact to impact lies in a cellular CC duration range the same asthe principal CC duration range.

Each CM cell 404, i.e., each cell 404 meeting the principal cellular THimpact criteria, responds to object 104 impacting OC area 116 byproviding a principal cellular LI impact signal, transmitted via network654 to controller 652, identifying that cell's location along SF zone112. See FIG. 59b which only shows the parts of networks 654 and 656used by CM cells 404. The same is done in later FIGS. 60-63. Thelocation identification usually arises because the origination of thecellular LI impact signal from each CM cell 404 identifies where its SFpart 406 is located in zone 112. When VC region 106 includes structurebesides the ISCC structure (132), the ISCC part of each CM cell 404specifically provides that cell's LI impact signal. The cellular LIimpact signals of all CM cells 404 embody the general LI impact signalidentifying the location of print area 118 along zone 112 in IPstructure 600.

If controller 652 receives instruction 608, controller 652 responds toinstruction 608 and to the cellular LI impact signal of each CM cell 404by providing a principal cellular CC duration signal, transmitted vianetwork 656 to that cell 404 specifically its ISCC part, for adjustingits CC duration Δt_(dr) subsequent to impact. Controller 652 usuallycreates the cellular CC duration signals by producing a general CCduration signal and suitably splitting it. The adjusted value Δt_(dradj)of duration Δt_(dr) for each CM cell 404 differs from its automaticvalue Δt_(drau). Duration Δt_(dr) for each CM cell 404 is usuallylengthened. Adjusted value Δt_(dradj) for each CM cell 404 is thengreater than its value Δt_(drau), typically greater than the high end ofthe principal CC duration range. Duration Δt_(dr) for each CM cell 404can be shortened so that its adjusted value Δt_(dradj) is less than itsvalue Δt_(drau), typically less than the low end of the principalΔt_(dr) range. In either case, instruction 608 is supplied to controller652 before value Δt_(drau) for any CM cell 404 would otherwiseterminate.

Each CM cell 404 responds to its cellular CC duration signal bycontinuing to appear as color X in accordance with instruction 608. WhenVC region 106 contains structure besides the ISCC structure (132), theISCC part of each CM cell 404 specifically causes it to continueappearing as color X. If instruction 608 later changes to a formintended to cause CC duration Δt_(dr) of each CM cell 404 to terminate,it returns to appearing as color A. Controller 652 controls all CM cells404 in unison so that they all receive their duration signals at largelyone time and all return to appearing as color A at largely another latertime. If instruction 608 is not supplied to controller 652, each CM cell404 simply returns to appearing as color A when its automatic CCduration value Δt_(drau) expires. After duration Δt_(dr) ends,controller 652 automatically returns the preset value of durationΔt_(dr) of each CM cell 404 to its automatic value Δt_(drau) to preparefor the next impact.

FIGS. 60-63 present composite block diagrams/side cross sections. FIG.60 depicts an embodiment 660 of IP structure 650 responding toinstruction 608. IP structure 660 is also an extension of OI structure410 to include controller 652. VC region 106 here consists solely ofISCC structure 132 in which each CM cell 404/its ISCC part supplies itscellular LI impact signal to controller 652 via network 654 and receivesits cellular CC duration signal from controller 652 via network 656.Subject to each CM cell 404/its ISCC part supplying its impact signaland receiving its duration signal, each cell 404/its ISCC part hereusually contains IS and CC parts as in OI structure 420.

FIG. 61 depicts an embodiment 670 of IP structure 650 responding toinstruction 608. IP structure 670 is also an extension of OI structure430 to include controller 652. VC region 106 here is formed solely withISCC structure 132 consisting of IS component 182 and CC component 184formed with subcomponents 204, 224, 222, 226, and 206. Hence, each cell404/its ISCC part here consists of an IS part and a CC part formed withindividual NA, NE, core, FE, and FA parts.

The IS part of each CM cell 404 supplies its LI impact signal tocontroller 652 via network 654. The electrode parts of the CC part ofeach CM cell 404 receive its CC duration signal from controller 652 vianetwork 656. The duration signal for each CM cell 404 causes its controlvoltage V_(nf) to be maintained at, or sufficiently close to, changedvalue V_(nfC) that its CC duration Δt_(dr) continues in accordance withinstruction 608. Subject to the IS part of each CM cell 404 supplyingits impact signal and its CC part receiving its duration signal, the ISand CC parts of each cell 404 here can be embodied in any way describedabove for embodying them in OI structure 430.

FIG. 62 depicts an embodiment 680 of IP structure 650 responding toinstruction 608. IP structure 680 is also an extension of OI structure440 to include controller 652 and an extension of IP structure 660 toinclude SF structure 242. VC region 106 here consists of ISCC structure132 and overlying SF structure 242. ISCC structure 132 and controller652 here are configured, operate, and interact the same as in IPstructure 660. SF structure 242 here is configured and functions thesame as in OI structure 440. When ISCC structure 132 functions as a PSCCstructure, each cell 404 for which the excess internal pressure alongits IF part 444 meets the cellular excess internal pressure criteriaembodying the cellular TH impact criteria becomes a CM cell whose ISpart supplies that cell's LI impact signal to controller 652 and whoseCC part receives that cell's CC duration signal from controller 652.

An IP structure formed with controller 652 and OI structure 470containing ISCC structure 132 and DE structure 282 can be implemented inthe same way as IP structure 680. An IP structure formed with controller652 and OI structure 490 containing ISCC structure 132, SF structure242, and DE structure 282 can also be implemented in the same way as IPstructure 680.

FIG. 63 depicts an embodiment 690 of IP structure 650 responding toinstruction 608. IP structure 690 is also an extension of OI structure460 to include controller 652 and an extension of IP structure 670 toinclude SF structure 242. VC region 106 here thus consists of ISCCstructure 132 formed with IS component 182 and CC component 184consisting of subcomponents 204, 224, 222, 226, and 206. Components 182and 184 and controller 652 here are configured, operate, and interactthe same as in IP structure 670. SF structure 242 here is configured andfunctions the same as in OI structure 460. When ISCC structure 132functions as a PSCC structure, each cell 404 meeting the cellular excessinternal pressure criteria becomes a CM cell.

An IP structure formed with controller 652 and OI structure 480containing DE structure 302 and ISCC structure 132 formed with IScomponent 182 and CC component 184 consisting of subcomponents 204, 224,222, 226, and 206 can be implemented the same as IP structure 690 exceptthat DE structure 302 lies between components 182 and 184. An IPstructure formed with controller 652 and OI structure 500 containing SFstructure 242, DE structure 302, and ISCC structure 132 formed with IScomponent 182 and CC component 184 consisting of subcomponents 204, 224,222, 226, and 206 can also be implemented the same as IP structure 690again except that DE structure 302 lies between components 182 and 184.

Intelligent Color-Change Control

FIGS. 64a and 64b present block diagram/layout views of an IP structure700 consisting of OI structure 100 and a principal general intelligentCC controller 702 for providing a supplemental impact assessmentcapability to determine whether an impact meeting the principal basic THimpact criteria has certain principal supplemental impactcharacteristics and, if so, for causing the IDVC portion (138) totemporarily appear as color X. The supplemental assessment capabilityenables IP structure 700 to distinguish between impacts of object 104 onSF zone 112 for which color change at print area 118 is desired andimpacts of bodies on zone 112 for which color change is not desired.General intelligent CC controller 702 is also capable of adjusting CCduration Δt_(dr) subsequent to impact the same as duration controller602. A network 704 of COM paths extends from VC region 106 to controller702. See FIG. 64 a. A network 706 of COM paths extends from controller702 back to region 106. In addition, structure 700 contains network 606usually at least partly overlapping COM network 706.

The IDVC portion (138), specifically the ID ISCC segment (142), providesa principal general characteristics-identifying impact signal inresponse to object 104 impacting OC area 116 if the impact meets thebasic TH impact criteria. See FIG. 64 b. “CI” hereafter meanscharacteristics-identifying. The general CI impact signal, transmittedvia COM network 704 to controller 702, identifies principal generalcharacteristics of the impact. The general impact characteristicsconsist of the location expected for print area 118 in SF zone 112 andprincipal general supplemental impact information for the impact on OCarea 116. The identification of the expected PA location usually arisesbecause the origination of the CI impact signal from the ISCC segmentprovides information identifying where the IDVC portion is laterallylocated in VC region 106 and thus where area 118 is expected to belocated in zone 112.

Controller 702 responds to the general CI impact signal by determiningwhether the general supplemental impact information meets (or satisfies)principal supplemental impact criteria and, if so, provides a principalgeneral CC initiation signal transmitted via network 706 to the IDVCportion (138), specifically the ID ISCC segment (142). The IDVC portionresponds to the general CC initiation signal, which implements theprincipal general CC control signal, by temporarily appearing as colorX. When VC region 106 includes structure besides the ISCC structure(132), the ISCC segment specifically causes the IDVC portion totemporarily appear as color X. An impact on SF zone 112 thus must meetprincipal expanded impact criteria consisting of the basic TH impactcriteria and the supplemental impact criteria to cause a temporary colorchange.

IP structure 700 is able to distinguish between impacts of object 104for which color change is desired and impacts of other bodies for whichcolor change is not desired so that color change occurs only forsuitable impacts of object 104. The time period taken by controller 702to determine whether the principal supplemental impact criteria are metand, if so, to produce the initiation signal is very short, usuallyseveral ms or less. Approximate full forward XN delay Δt_(f) is stillusually no more than 2 s, preferably no more than 1 s, more preferablyno more than 0.5 s, even more preferably no more than 0.25 s.

Controller 702 may receive instruction 608. If so and if thesupplemental impact criteria are met, controller 702 responds toinstruction 608 by providing the general CC duration signal transmittedvia network 606 to the IDVC portion (138), specifically the ID ISCCsegment (142), for adjusting CC duration Δt_(dr) subsequent to impact asdescribed above for IP structure 600.

The general supplemental impact information usually includes the sizeand/or shape expected for print area 118 if the IDVC portion (138)changes to temporarily appear as color X. The supplemental impactcriteria then include corresponding static size and/or shape criteriafor area 118. The PA size criteria preferably include a maximumreference area value A_(prh) for the expected area A_(pr) of area 118,“PA” again meaning print-area. Controller 702 provides the ID ISCCsegment (142) with the general CC initiation signal only when expectedPA area A_(pr) is less than or equal to maximum PA reference area valueA_(prh). The size criteria may include a minimum reference area valueA_(prl) for PA area A_(pr) if area 118 is expected to be located fullyin SF zone 112. If so, controller 702 provides the ISCC segment with theinitiation signal when PA area A_(pr) is greater than or equal tominimum PA reference area value A_(prl) provided that area 118 isexpected to be located fully in zone 112. The PA shape criteriapreferably include (a) a reference shape for area 118 and (b) a shapeparameter set consisting of at least one shape parameter definingvariations from the reference shape. Controller 702 provides the ISCCsegment with the initiation signal only when the expected shape of area118 falls within the shape parameter set.

The general supplemental impact information may include duration Δt_(oc)of object 104 in contact with OC area 116 and thus in contact with theexpected location of print area 118. The supplemental impact criteriathen include OC time duration criteria. The OC duration criteria mayinclude a minimum reference OC duration value Δt_(ocrl) for area 118located fully in SF zone 112. If so, controller 702 provides the ID ISCCsegment (142) with the general CC initiation signal when durationΔt_(oc) is greater than or equal to minimum reference OC duration valueΔt_(ocrl) provided that area 118 is expected to be located fully in zone112. Small particles whose OC durations Δt_(oc) are less than referenceOC duration value Δt_(ocrl) do not cause color change even if theyimpact surface 102 hard enough to meet the basic TH impact criteria.

The OC duration criteria may alternatively or additionally include amaximum reference OC time duration value Δt_(ocrh). Controller 702 thenprovides the ID ISCC segment (142) with the CC initiation signal onlywhen OC duration Δt_(oc) is less than or equal to maximum reference OCduration value Δt_(ocrh). For example, OC duration Δt_(oc) is nearlyalways less than 25 ms when object 104 is a typical hollow sports ballsuch as a tennis ball, basketball, or volleyball that bounces offsurface 102 after impacting it. Duration Δt_(oc) is typically 4-5 ms,and thus invariably less than 10 ms, for a served or returned tennisball moving over a tennis court whose playing surface embodies surface102. Duration Δt_(oc) is typically in the vicinity of 15 ms for abasketball being dribbled on a basketball court whose playing surfaceembodies surface 102.

In contrast, the time period during which a shoe on a foot of a personis in continuous contact with surface 102 as the person moves oversurface 102 is nearly always greater than 50 ms. The shoe/foot contacttime for a person running over a hard floor or other hard surface isreportedly a at least 80 ms, typically 100-200 ms or more, for eliterunners. Consequently, the shoe/foot contact time for a person runningover a hard surface is considerably greater than typical durationΔt_(oc) of no more than 25 ms for a tennis ball or basketball. Bychoosing maximum reference OC duration value Δt_(ocrh) to be suitablygreater than 5 ms for a tennis ball or suitably greater than 15 ms for abasketball but suitably less than the time period during which eithershoe of a person contacts surface 102 as the person moves over it, e.g.,reference value Δt_(ocrh) can be set at a value from 10 ms up to atleast 50 ms, possibly up to 75 ms, for a tennis ball or at a value from20 ms likewise up to at least 50 ms, possibly up to 75 ms, for abasketball, color changes occur when tennis balls or basketballs impactsurface 102 but largely not when the shoes of people impact surface 102.Color changes similarly occur when the shoes of people impact surface102 but largely not when tennis balls or basketballs impact surface 102by choosing maximum reference OC duration value Δt_(ocrh) to be suitablygreater than the time period during which either shoe of a personcontacts surface 102 as the person moves over it, e.g., reference valueΔt_(ocrh) can be set at a value of more than 75 ms such as 80, 90, or100 ms.

The supplemental impact criteria may cover various time-varyingphenomena. In this regard, OC area 116 is the maximum area where object104 contacts SF zone 112 during the impact. However, the area whereobject 104 contacts zone 112 during the impact usually varies with time,reaching area 116 at some instant during OC duration Δt_(oc). Letcontact area 116* be the time-varying instantaneous area which spanswhere object 104 contacts zone 112 and for which the basic TH impactcriteria are met. Instantaneous TH-meeting contact area 116*, which mostclosely approaches OC area 116 at some instant during duration Δt_(oc),is of an instantaneous area A_(oc)*.

With the foregoing in mind, the general supplemental impact informationmay include instantaneous area A_(oc)*. The size criteria then include aplurality of maximum reference area values A_(ocrh)* for successiveinstants separated by selected time periods. Controller 702 provides theID ISCC segment (142) with the CC initiation signal only wheninstantaneous area A_(oc)* is less than or equal to the maximumreference area value A_(ocrh)* for each of a selected group of thesuccessive instants during which object 104 is in contact with SF zone112. The supplemental impact information may similarly include theinstantaneous shape for TH-meeting contact area 116*. If so, the shapecriteria include a plurality of reference shapes for successive instantsseparated by selected time periods and (b) a like plurality of sets ofat least one shape parameter respectively defining variations from thereference shapes for the successive instants. Controller 702 providesthe ISCC segment with the initiation signal only when the instantaneousshape of contact area 116* falls within the shape parameter set for eachof a selected group of the successive instants while object 104 is incontact with zone 112.

The color that the IDVC portion (138) would appear along print area 118during OC duration Δt_(oc) if area 118 were externally exposed duringduration Δt_(oc) is generally immaterial because the presence of object104 on OC area 116 usually prevents any person from then seeing area118. An impact meeting the basic TH impact criteria but insufficient tomeet the supplemental impact criteria can cause the IDVC portion tochange to a condition in which it would appear along area 118 as changedcolor X, or some other color, during duration Δt_(oc) if area 118 werethen externally exposed as long as the IDVC portion largely returns toits normal-state condition as principal color A at or prior to the endof duration Δt_(oc).

Similar to the basic TH impact criteria, the supplemental impactcriteria can consist of multiple sets of fully different principalsupplemental impact criteria respectively associated with differentspecific (or specified) changed colors materially different fromprincipal color A. More than one, usually all, of the specific changedcolors again differ, usually materially. The supplemental impactinformation is potentially capable of meeting (or satisfying) any of thesupplemental impact criteria sets. If the supplemental impactinformation meets the supplemental impact criteria, generic changedcolor X is the specific changed color for the criteria set actually metby the supplemental impact information. The supplemental impact criteriasets sometimes form a continuous chain in which consecutive criteriasets meet each other without overlapping.

The supplemental impact criteria for the expected shape of print area118 can consist of multiple sets of expected shapes for area 118, eachset of PA shape criteria associated with a specific changed colormaterially different from color A. Each PA shape criteria set preferablyincludes (a) a reference shape for area 118 and (b) a shape parameterset consisting of at least one shape parameter defining variations fromthe reference shape. The reference shapes all differ. Letting R_(toc)represent the OC range from minimum reference OC duration valueΔt_(ocrl) to maximum reference OC duration value Δt_(ocrh), thesupplemental impact criteria for values Δt_(ocrl) and Δt_(ocrh) canconsist of multiple sets of non-overlapping OC ranges R_(toc), eachR_(toc) range similarly associated with a specific changed colormaterially different from color A. Provided that there are at least twodifferent changed colors, changed color X is the specific changed colorfor the expected PA shape criteria met by the expected PA shape in thesupplemental impact information or for the OC duration range R_(toc) metby OC duration Δt_(oc) in the supplemental impact information.

The supplemental impact criteria sets can sometimes be mathematicallydescribed as follows in terms of a supplemental parameter Q akin toimpact parameter difference ΔP. Letting n again be an integer greaterthan 1, n principal supplemental impact criteria sets T₁, T₂, . . .T_(n) are respectively associated with n specific changed colorsmaterially different from principal color A and with n progressivelyincreasing low-limit supplemental parameter values Q_(l,1), Q_(l,2), . .. Q_(l,n). Each low-limit supplemental parameter value Q_(l,i), exceptlowest-numbered value Q_(l,1), thereby exceeds next-lowest-numberedvalue Q_(l,i−1) where integer i again varies from 1 to n.

Each supplemental criteria set T_(i), except highest-numbered criteriaset T_(n), is defined by the requirement that parameter Q equal orexceed low-limit supplemental parameter value Q_(l,i) but be no greaterthan an infinitesimal amount below a higher supplemental parameter valueQ_(h,i) less than or equal to next higher low-limit supplementalparameter value Q_(l,i+1). Each criteria set T_(i), except set T_(n), isa Q range R_(i) extending between a low limit equal to low-limit valueQ_(l,i) and a high limit an infinitesimal amount below high-limit valueQ_(h,i). Highest-numbered criteria set T_(n) is defined by therequirement that parameter Q equal or exceed low-limit supplementalparameter value Q_(l,n) but not exceed a higher supplemental parametervalue Q_(h,n). Consequently, highest-numbered set T_(n) is a Q rangeR_(n) extending between a low limit equal to low-limit value Q_(l,n) anda high limit equal to high-limit value Q_(h,n).

High-limit value Q_(h,i) for each range R_(i), except highest rangeR_(n), usually equals low-limit value Q_(l,i+1) for next higher rangeR_(n+1). In that case, criteria sets T₁-T_(n) substantially cover atotal Q range extending continuously from lowest low-limit value Q_(l,1)to highest high-limit value Q_(h,n). Supplemental parameter Q ispotentially capable of meeting any of criteria sets T₁-T_(n). If thegeneral supplemental impact information meets the supplemental impactcriteria, changed color X is the specific changed color for criteria setT_(i) actually met by parameter Q.

This mathematical formulation can be used to embody the supplementalimpact criteria sets as fully different PA size criteria sets expectedfor print area 118 and as fully different OC time duration sets for OCtime duration Δt_(oc). In particular, high-limit supplemental parametervalues Q_(h,1)-Q_(h,n) can respectively be n different values of maximumreference area value A_(prh) for area 118 or n different values ofmaximum reference duration Δt_(ocrh) for duration Δt_(oc) subject todeleting the infinitesimal amount limitations. Provided that area 118 isexpected to be located fully in SF zone 112, low-limit supplementalparameter values Q_(l,1)-Q_(l,n) can respectively be n different valuesof minimum reference area value A_(prl) for area 118 or n differentvalues of minimum reference OC duration Δt_(ocrl) for duration Δt_(oc).Because each size or OC duration criteria set T_(i) is a range R_(i),these supplemental impact criteria implementations of different A_(prh)or Δt_(ocrh) values and different A_(prl) or Δt_(ocrl) values accomplishthe same result.

Use of supplemental impact criteria sets provides a capability todistinguish between different types of impacts, specifically betweendifferent embodiments of object 104 as it impacts SF zone 112. Forexample, if one embodiment of object 104 is shaped considerablydifferently than another embodiment of object 104 or usually contactszone 112 for a considerably different Δt_(oc) value than the otherobject embodiment, appropriate choice of the supplemental impactcriteria sets enables IP structure 700 to distinguish between the twoobject embodiments as they contact zone 112. Taking note that a tennisball embodying object 104 usually creates print area 118 of considerablydifferent shape than a shoe of a person embodying object 104 and that atennis ball and a person's shoe usually impact zone 112 for considerablydifferent Δt_(oc) values, the supplemental impact criteria sets canreadily be chosen in suitable shape parameter sets or/and OC durationrange R_(toc) set to provide a different specific changed color X for animpact of a tennis ball than for an impact of a person's shoe or otherbody of considerably different impact characteristics than a tennisball.

Controller 702 can provide the general CC initiation signal in variousways for causing the IDVC portion (138) to temporarily appear as thespecific changed color X for the supplemental impact criteria set met bythe supplemental impact information. For example, the initiation signalcan be providable at a value falling into multiple different rangesrespectively corresponding to the different supplemental criteria sets.Providing the initiation signal at a value falling into one of theseranges due to the supplemental impact information meeting thesupplemental impact criteria for that range then causes the IDVC portionto temporarily appear as the specific changed color X for that range.Alternatively, the initiation signal can consist of multiple general CCinitiation subsignals respectively corresponding to the differentsupplemental criteria sets. Each general CC initiation subsignal goes toan enable condition when the supplemental impact information meets thesupplemental impact criteria for that subsignal and is otherwise atdisable condition so that no more than one of the initiation subsignalscan be at its enable condition at any time. Causing one of theinitiation subsignals to go to its enable condition due to thesupplemental impact information meeting the supplemental impact criteriafor that subsignal causes the IDVC portion to temporarily appear as thespecific changed color X for that subsignal.

FIGS. 65-68 present composite block diagrams/side cross sections. FIG.65 depicts an embodiment 710 of IP structure 700 responding toinstruction 608. IP structure 710 is also an extension of OI structure130 to include controller 702. VC region 106 here consists solely ofISCC structure 132 in which IDVC portion 138/ISCC segment 142 suppliesthe general CI impact signal to controller 702 via network 704 if thebasic TH impact criteria are met and receives the general CC initiationand duration signals from controller 702 respectively via networks 706and 606 if the supplemental impact criteria are met. Subject to portion138/segment 142 supplying the impact signal and receiving the initiationand duration signals, region 106/structure 132 usually containscomponents 182 and 184 as in OI structure 180.

FIG. 66 depicts an embodiment 720 of IP structure 700 responding toinstruction 608. IP structure 720 is also an extension of OI structure200 to include controller 702. VC region 106 is here formed solely withISCC structure 132 consisting of IS component 182 and CC component 184formed with subcomponents 204, 224, 222, 226, and 206. ID segments 214,234, 232, 236, and 216 of subcomponents 204, 224, 222, 226, and 206 arenot labeled in FIG. 66 due to spacing limitations. See FIG. 12b foridentifying segments 214, 234, 232, 236, and 216 in FIG. 66.

IS segment 192 supplies the general CI impact signal to controller 702via network 704 if the basic TH impact criteria are met. Electrodesegments 234 and 236 of CC segment 194 receive the general CC initiationand duration signals from controller 702 respectively via networks 706and 606 if the supplemental impact criteria are met. The initiationsignal causes voltage V_(nf) for IDVC portion 138/ISCC segment 142 to goto changed value V_(nfC) for causing portion 138 to temporarily appearas color X. Since the time period taken by controller 702 to determinethat the general supplemental impact information meet the supplementalimpact criteria is usually several ms or less, full forward XN delayΔt_(f) still can be as high as 0.4 s, sometimes as high as 0.6, 0.8, or1.0 s but again is usually reduced to no more than 0.2 s, preferably nomore than 0.1 s, more preferably no more than 0.05 s, even morepreferably no more than 0.025 s. The duration signal causes voltageV_(nf) for portion 138/segment 142 to be maintained at, or sufficientlyclose to, value V_(nfC) that CC duration Δt_(dr) continues in accordancewith instruction 608. Subject to IS segment 192 supplying the impactsignal and CC segment 194 receiving the initiation and duration signals,components 182 and 184 here can be embodied in any way described abovefor embodying them in OI structure 200.

FIG. 67 depicts an embodiment 730 of IP structure 700 responding toinstruction 608. IP structure 730 is also an extension of OI structure240 to include controller 702 and an extension of IP structure 710 toinclude SF structure 242. VC region 106 here thus consists of ISCCstructure 132 and SF structure 242. ISCC structure 132 and controller702 here are configured, operate, and interact the same as in IPstructure 710. SF structure 242 here is configured and functions thesame as in OI structure 240. When ISCC structure 132 functions as a PSCCstructure, ISCC segment 142 supplies the general CI impact signal tocontroller 702 if the excess internal pressure along DP IF area 256meets the excess internal pressure criteria.

An IP structure formed with controller 702 and OI structure 280containing ISCC structure 132 and DE structure 282 can be implemented inthe same way as IP structure 730. An IP structure formed with controller702 and OI structure 320 containing ISCC structure 132, SF structure242, and DE structure 282 can also be implemented in the same way as IPstructure 730.

FIG. 68 depicts an embodiment 740 of IP structure 700 responding toinstruction 608. IP structure 740 is also an extension of OI structure270 to include controller 702 and an extension of IP structure 720 toinclude SF structure 242. VC region 106 here thus consists of ISCCstructure 132 formed with IS component 182 and CC component 184consisting of subcomponents 204, 224, 222, 226, and 206. See FIG. 12bfor identifying their ID segments 214, 234, 232, 236, and 216 notlabeled in FIG. 68 due to spacing limitations. Components 182 and 184and controller 702 here are configured, operate, and interact the sameas in IP structure 720. SF structure 242 here is configured andfunctions the same as in OI structure 270. When ISCC structure 132functions as a PSCC structure, IS segment 192 supplies the general CIimpact signal to controller 702 if the excess internal pressure criteriaare met.

An IP structure formed with controller 702 and OI structure 300containing DE structure 302 and ISCC structure 132 formed with IScomponent 182 and CC component 184 consisting of subcomponents 204, 224,222, 226, and 206 can be implemented the same as IP structure 740 exceptthat DE structure 302 lies between components 182 and 184. An IPstructure formed with controller 702 and OI structure 330 containing SFstructure 242, DE structure 302, and ISCC structure 132 formed with IScomponent 182 and CC component 184 consisting of subcomponents 204, 224,222, 226, and 206 can also be implemented the same as IP structure 740again except that DE structure 302 lies between components 182 and 184.

FIGS. 69a and 69b present block diagram/layout views of an IP structure750 consisting of OI structure 400 and a principal intelligent cell CCcontroller 752 for providing a supplemental impact assessment capabilityto determine whether an impact meeting the principal cellular TH impactcriteria has certain supplemental impact characteristics and, if so, forcausing CM cells 404 to temporarily appear as color X. IP structure 750is also an embodiment of IP structure 700 for which intelligent cell CCcontroller 752 embodies general intelligent CC controller 702. Referringto FIG. 69 a, a network 754 of COM paths extends from all cells 404 tocontroller 752. A network 756 of COM paths extends from controller 752back to all cells 404. Each COM network 754 or 756 usually includes aset of row COM paths, each connected to a different row of cells 404,and a set of column COM paths, each connected to a different column ofcells 404. IP structure 750 further contains network 656 usually atleast partly overlapping network 756.

Each cell 404 meeting the cellular TH impact criteria temporarilybecomes a TH CM cell and responds to object 104 impacting OC area 116 byproviding a principal cellular CI impact signal, transmitted via network754 to controller 752, identifying principal cellular characteristicsfor the impact as experienced at that cell 404. See FIG. 69 b. Multiplecells 404 virtually always temporarily become TH CM cells. The principalcellular impact characteristics for each TH CM cell 404 consist of thelocation of its SF part 406 in SF zone 112 and principal cellularsupplemental information for the impact. The location identificationusually arises because the origination of the cellular CI impact signalfrom each TH CM cell 404 identifies where its SF part 406 is located inzone 112. When VC region 106 contains structure besides the ISCCstructure (132), the ISCC part of each TH CM cell 404 specificallyprovides that cell's CI impact signal. The cellular CI impact signals ofall TH CM cells 404 embody the general CI impact signal in IP structure700.

Controller 752 responds to the cellular CI impact signals by combiningthe principal cellular supplemental impact information of all TH CMcells 404 to form the principal general supplemental impact informationand then determining whether it meets the supplemental impact criteria.If so, each TH CM cell 404 temporarily becomes a full CM cell. For eachfull CM cell 404, controller 752 provides a principal cellular CCinitiation signal transmitted via network 756 to that cell 404specifically its ISCC part. FIG. 69b only shows the parts of networks754, 756, and 656 used by full CM cells 404. The same is done in laterFIGS. 70-73. Each full CM cell 404 responds to its cellular CCinitiation signal, which implements its cellular CC control signal, bytemporarily appearing as color X. When VC region 106 includes structurebesides the ISCC structure (132), the ISCC part of each full CM cell 404specifically causes it to temporarily appear as color X. ID cell group138* embodying IDVC portion 138 consists of full CM cells 404. Thecellular CC initiation signals of all full CM cells 404 embody thegeneral CC initiation signal in IP structure 700.

The principal expanded impact criteria that must be met to cause atemporary color change consist of the cellular TH impact criteria andthe supplemental impact criteria. Controller 752 usually creates thecellular CC initiation signals by producing a principal general CCinitiation signal and suitably splitting it. The cellular CC initiationsignals provided to all full CM cells 404 embody the general CCinitiation signal in IP structure 700.

If the supplemental impact criteria consist of multiple sets (T₁-T_(n))of different principal supplemental impact criteria respectivelyassociated with multiple specific changed colors (X_(i)-X_(n))materially different from principal color A, controller 752 responds tothe cellular impact signal of each TH CM cell 404 by providing it,specifically its ISCC part, with a cellular CC initiation signal thatcauses it to temporarily become a full CM cell and temporarily appear asthe specific changed color (X_(i)) for the supplemental criteria setactually met by the supplemental impact information.

Controller 752 may receive instruction 608. If so and if the generalsupplemental impact information meets the supplemental impact criteria,controller 752 responds to instruction 608 by providing, for each fullCM cell 404, a principal cellular CC duration signal, transmitted vianetwork 656 to that cell 404 specifically its ISCC part, for adjustingthat cell's CC duration Δt_(dr) subsequent to impact the same as in IPstructure 650. Each full CM cell 404 responds to its cellular CCduration signal by continuing to appear as color X in accordance withinstruction 608. When VC region 106 contains structure besides the ISCCstructure (132), the ISCC part of each full CM cell 404 specificallycauses it to continue appearing as color X in accordance withinstruction 608. Controller 752 usually creates the cellular CC durationsignals by producing a general CC duration signal and suitably splittingit.

FIGS. 70-73 present composite block diagrams/side cross sections. FIG.70 depicts an embodiment 760 of IP structure 750 responding toinstruction 608. IP structure 760 is also an extension of OI structure410 to include controller 752. VC region 106 here consists solely ofISCC structure 132 in which each TH CM cell 404/its ISCC part suppliesits cellular CI impact signal to controller 752 via network 754 and inwhich each full CM cell 404/its ISCC part receives its cellular CCinitiation and duration signals from controller 752 respectively vianetworks 756 and 656. Subject to each TH CM cell 404/its ISCC partsupplying its impact signal and each full CM cell 404/its ISCC partreceiving its initiation and duration signals, each cell 404/its ISCCpart here usually contains IS and CC parts as in OI structure 420.

FIG. 71 depicts an embodiment 770 of IP structure 750 responding toinstruction 608. IP structure 770 is also an extension of OI structure430 to include controller 752. VC region 106 here is formed solely withISCC structure 132 consisting of IS component 182 and CC component 184formed with subcomponents 204, 224, 222, 226, and 206. Each cell 404/itsISCC part here consists of an IS part and a CC part formed withindividual NA, AB, and FA parts, each AB part being formed withindividual NE, core, and FE parts.

The IS part of each TH CM cell 404 supplies its cellular CI impactsignal to controller 752 via network 754. The electrode parts of eachfull CM cell 404 receive its cellular CC initiation and duration signalsfrom controller 752 respectively via networks 756 and 656. Theinitiation signal for each full CM cell 404 causes its control voltageV_(nf) to go to changed value V_(nfC) for causing it to temporarilyappear as color X. The duration signal for each full CM cell 404 causesits voltage V_(nf) to be maintained at, or sufficiently close to, valueV_(nfC) that its CC duration Δt_(dr) continues in accordance withinstruction 608. Subject to the IS part of each TH CM cell 404 supplyingits impact signal and the CC part of that full CM cell 4E04 receivingits initiation and duration signals, the IS and CC parts of each cell404 here can be embodied in any of the ways described above forembodying those parts in OI structure 430.

FIG. 72 depicts an embodiment 780 of IP structure 750 responding toinstruction 608. IP structure 780 is also an extension of OI structure440 to include controller 752 and an extension of IP structure 760 toinclude SF structure 242. VC region 106 here consists of ISCC structure132 and overlying SF structure 242. ISCC structure 132 and controller752 here are configured, operate, and interact the same as in IPstructure 760. SF structure 242 here again is configured and functionsthe same as in OI structure 440. When ISCC structure 132 functions as aPSCC structure, each cell 404 for which the excess internal pressurealong its IF part 444 meets the cellular excess internal pressurecriteria becomes a TH CM cell whose IS part supplies that cell's CIimpact signal to controller 752. The CC part of each full CM cell 404receives its CC initiation and duration signals from controller 752.

An IP structure formed with controller 752 and OI structure 470containing ISCC structure 132 and DE structure 282 can be implemented inthe same way as IP structure 780. An IP structure formed with controller752 and OI structure 490 containing ISCC structure 132, SF structure242, and DE structure 282 can likewise be implemented in the same way asIP structure 780.

FIG. 73 depicts an embodiment 790 of IP structure 750 responding toinstruction 608. IP structure 790 is also an extension of OI structure460 to include controller 752 and an extension of IP structure 770 toinclude SF structure 242. VC region 106 here consists of ISCC structure132 formed with IS component 182 and CC component 184 consisting ofsubcomponents 204, 224, 222, 226, and 206. Components 182 and 184 andduration controller 602 here are configured, operate, and interact thesame as in IP structure 770. SF structure 242 here again is configuredand functions the same as in OI structure 460. When ISCC structure 132functions as a PSCC structure, each cell 404 meeting the cellular excessinternal pressure criteria temporarily becomes a TH CM cell and, if thesupplemental impact criteria are met, a full CM cell.

An IP structure formed with controller 752 and OI structure 480containing DE structure 302 and ISCC structure 132 formed with IScomponent 182 and CC component 184 consisting of subcomponents 204, 224,222, 226, and 206 can be implemented the same as IP structure 790 exceptthat DE structure 302 lies between components 182 and 184. An IPstructure formed with controller 752 and OI structure 500 containing SFstructure 242, DE structure 302, and ISCC structure 132 formed with IScomponent 182 and CC component 184 consisting of subcomponents 204, 224,222, 226, and 206 can also be implemented the same as IP structure 790again except that DE structure 302 lies between components 182 and 184.

Controller 752 may provide a PA shape correction capability. Asindicated above, the general supplemental impact information received bycontroller 752 via the cellular CI impact signals from TH CM cells 404meeting the cellular TH impact criteria usually includes the shapeexpected for print area 118. The supplemental impact criteria theninclude static shape criteria for area 118. In determining that theshape information sufficiently satisfies the shape criteria so that eachTH CM cell 404 becomes a full CM cell, controller 752 may determine thatone or more nearby cells 404 not meeting the cellular TH impact criteriashould undergo color change to better present area 118 in view of theshape criteria. If so, the PA shape correction capability is performedby having controller 752 provide a principal cellular CC initiationsignal, transmitted via network 756, to the ISCC part of each suchnearby cell 404 for causing it to temporarily appear as color X. Ifcontroller 752 receives instruction 608, controller 752 provides eachsuch nearby cell 404 with a principal cellular CC duration signal,transmitted via network 656, to the ISCC part of that cell 404 foradjusting its CC duration Δt_(dr) subsequent to impact.

The supplemental impact assessment capability furnished by intelligentcontroller 702 or 752 enables each of IP structures 700, 710, 720, 730,and 740 or 750, 760, 770, 780, and 790 to accurately and quicklydistinguish between impacts of object 104 for which color change isdesired and impacts of bodies for which color change is not desired soas to provide color change only for suitable impacts of object 104. Thesize, shape, and/or OC duration criteria can be chosen to cause colorchange when a ball impacts SF zone 112 sufficiently hard but not when ashoe of a person impacts zone 112 as arises with tennis lines, and viceversa as arises with the three-point lines in basketball. Thesupplemental impact assessment capability for any impact is usuallyperformed in a very small part of a second, usually no more than 0.1 s,preferably no more than 10 ms, more preferably no more than 5 ms. Hence,a color change at print area 118 seems to occur almost simultaneouslywith the impact as seen by a person. Also, the size and/or shapecriteria, both static and time-varying, may vary with where area 118 islocated in zone 112.

The supplemental impact criteria sometimes require that print area 118be entirely inside SF zone 112. This is typically expressed by thephysical requirement that area 118 be spaced apart from interface 110and each other part of the boundary of zone 112. For this purpose,controller 702 or 752 may maintain an electronic map of zone 112,including the location of the edge of interface 110 along surface 102and each other part of the boundary of zone 112. The generalsupplemental impact information includes the location of OC area 116 onthe map. Controller 702 or 752 determines the expected location of printarea 118 from the OC-area location and examines the map to determinewhether area 118 is entirely inside zone 112.

Image Generation and Object Tracking

FIG. 74 illustrates an IP structure 800 consisting of OI structure 100and an image-generating system 802 for generating images (or pictures)of print area 118 and selected adjoining SF area. “IG” hereafter meansimage-generating. The images can be used, e.g., by persons, to examinewhere area 118 occurs in SF zone 112, e.g., to assist in determining howclosely area 118 comes to a selected part of the boundary of zone 112.VC region 106 here can be embodied in any way for embodying it in any ofOI structures 130, 180, 200, 240, 260, 270, 280, 300, 320, 330, 340, and350.

IG system 802 consists of IG structure 804 for generating images and anIG controller 806 for controlling IG structure 804 to suitably generateprincipal PA vicinity images. “PAV” hereafter means print-area vicinity.Structure 804 is formed with an image-collecting apparatus 808 forcollecting images, including PAV images, and a video screen 810 fordisplaying the collected images. Image-collecting apparatus 808,typically formed with one or more cameras 812, is deployed to have afield of view that enables apparatus 808 to collect an image of any partof VC SF zone 112 as well as an adjoining part of surface 102 outsidezone 112, e.g., an adjoining part of FC SF zone 114. A network 814 ofCOM paths extends from VC region 106 to IG controller 806.

Each principal PAV image, usually a rectangular static (still) colorimage, consists of an image of print area 118 and adjacent surfaceextending to at least a selected location of surface 102. The selectedSF location is usually a partial boundary of SF zone 112, e.g., the edgeof interface 110 along zone 112. Area 118 appears as an image print areaon the PAV image. Each PAV image occupies an imaging area A_(im). Theimage print area occupies an imaging print area A_(pim). For assistingpersons to rapidly see how close area 118 comes to the selected SFlocation, the ratio A_(im)/A_(pim) of imaging area Aim to imaging printarea A_(pim) is usually no more than 100, preferably no more than 50,more preferably no more than 25, even more preferably no more than 10.

The ID ISCC segment (142) provides the general LI impact signal inresponse to the impact if it meets the basic TH impact criteria.Responsive to the LI impact signal transmitted via COM network 814 andthus to the impact if the basic TH impact criteria are met, controller806 provides a principal PA identification signal identifying thelocation of print area 118 in SF zone 112 provided that a principal IGcondition, explained below, is met. The PA identification signal istransmitted via a COM path 816 to IG structure 804, specificallyimage-collecting apparatus 808. Structure 804 responds by generating aPAV image. In particular, apparatus 808 collects the PAV image,specifically the data for the PAV image, in response to the PAidentification signal. The PAV-image data is transmitted via a COM path818 to video screen 810 which displays the PAV image. Controller 806 mayprovide a screen activation/deactivation signal, transmitted via a COMpath 820, to screen 810 for activating or deactivating it.

Controller 806 can usually be selected (or set) to operate in anautomatic mode or in an instruction mode for causing IG structure 804 togenerate PAV images if the basic TH impact criteria are met. The modeselection is done with a mode-selection device (not shown) located oncontroller 806 or with a remote mode-selection device (also not shown)which communicates with controller 806 via a COM path. In the automaticmode, controller 806 responds to the LI impact signal by automaticallycausing structure 804 to generate a PAV image if print area 118 meetsthe principal distance condition that a point in area 118 be less thanor equal to a selected distance away from the selected location onsurface 102. The distance condition is met when a point in area 118 isin the selected SF location. Controller 806 analyzes the impact signalto determine if the distance condition is met and, if so, provides thePA identification signal that causes structure 804 to generate the PAVimage.

In the instruction mode, controller 806 responds to external instruction822 prescribing that a PAV image be generated. External instruction 822is supplied to controller 806 after CC duration Δt_(dr) begins andbefore it terminates. Typically human originated, instruction 822 can befurnished to controller 806 in any of the ways for supplying instruction608 to controller 602. If controller 806 receives both instruction 822and the LI impact signal, controller 806 provides the identificationsignal which causes IG structure 804 to generate the PAV image. The IGcondition that must be met for the identification signal to be suppliedto structure 804 if the basic TH impact criteria are met thus consistsof print area 118 meeting the distance condition or/and controller 806receiving instruction 822.

An electronic map of SF zone 112, including the location of the SF edgeof interface 110 and each other part of the boundary of zone 112, may bemaintained in controller 806. Responsive to the general LI impactsignal, controller 806 determines the expected location of print area118 on the map and itself generates the data for a PAV image if the IGcondition is met. When the basic TH impact criteria are met, controller806 thus generates the PAV-image data if (a) area 118 meets the distancecondition that a point in area 118 be less than or equal to a selecteddistance away from a selected location on surface 102 or/and (b)controller 806 receives instruction 822. The PAV-image data includes theshape of the perimeter of area 118, the shape of the selected locationon surface 102, and distance data defining the spatial relationshipbetween the perimeter of area 118 and the selected SF location.Controller 806 provides the PAV-image data directly, e.g., via COM path820, to screen 810 which responds by generating the PAV image. The maindifference between this technique for generating a PAV image and theearlier-mentioned technique for generating a PAV image is thatcontroller 806 here directly generates the PAV-image data instead ofimage-collecting apparatus 808 generating the PAV-image data in responseto the PA identification signal supplied from controller 806.

IG controller 806 may be capable of providing a magnify/shrink signalprescribing a selected percentage of magnification or shrinkage of theimage print area. IG structure 804 responds to the magnify/shrink signalby magnifying or shrinking the image print area by approximately theselected percentage. This can be done by increasing or decreasing thesize of the PAV image so that it appears larger or smaller on screen 810while maintaining ratio A_(im)/A_(pim) constant or/and by increasing ordecreasing the size of the image print area while maintaining the sizeof PAV image constant so that ratio A_(im)/A_(pim) decreases orincreases.

The magnify/shrink signal can be automatically provided by controller806 when a selected impact condition arises. The impact condition can,for example, be the above distance condition that a point in print area118 be less than or equal to a selected distance away from the selectedlocation on surface 102. Controller 806 can alternatively supply themagnify/shrink signal in response to external instruction 824. Typicallyhuman originated, external instruction 824 can be furnished tocontroller 806 in any of the ways for supplying instruction 608 tocontroller 602. The magnify/shrink signal can be supplied toimage-collecting apparatus 808 via, e.g., COM path 816. Apparatus 808magnifies or shrinks the image print area and supplies the resultantadjusted version of the PAV image via COM path 818 to screen 810 for itto display. Alternatively, controller 806 can supply the magnify/shrinksignal directly to screen 810, e.g., via path 820. Screen 810 thencontains a capability for providing the requisite magnification orshrinkage of the image print area.

Image-collecting apparatus 808 optionally functions as anobject-tracking control apparatus for optically tracking the movement ofobject 104 over surface 102 in order to facilitate distinguishingbetween impacts of object 104 for which color change is desired andimpacts of bodies for which color change is not desired. “OT” hereaftermeans object-tracking. The optical tracking entails having OT controlapparatus 808 generate images of object 104 as it moves over surface 102to form a film (or motion picture) of the object's movement relative tosurface 102.

In a first basic OT technique, VC region 106 is capable of being enabledto be capable of changing color at locations dependent on the objecttracking. All of region 106 is normally disabled from being capable ofchanging color so that region 106 normally appears as principal color A.The ISCC structure (132) provides the enablable/disablable CCcapability. Using trajectory-assessment software, OT control apparatus808 estimates where object 104 is expected to impact surface 102according to the tracked movement of object 104 and provides a principalgeneral CC enable signal shortly prior to the impact if the trackedmovement of object 104 indicates that it is expected to contact surface102 at least partly in SF zone 112. The general CC enable signal,transmitted via a COM path 826A to region 106 specifically the ISCCstructure, at least partly identifies an ID estimated OC area 116 ^(#),indicated by dashed line in FIG. 74 and in later FIG. 75, spanning whereobject 104 is so expected to contact zone 112. Based on the size, shape,and material characteristics of object 104 and on the kinematics of theexpected impact between object 104 and zone 112, estimated OC area 116^(#) is usually of roughly the same physical area as actual OC area 116even though areas 116 and 116 ^(#) (turn out to) differ somewhat inlocation along zone 112.

Responsive to the CC enable signal, an ID laterally oversize portion ofVC region 106 extending to an ID oversize area 828, also indicated bydashed line in FIGS. 74 and 75, of SF zone 112 is temporarily enabled tobe capable of changing color as the oversize portion of region 106appears along ID oversize area 828. When region 106 includes structurebesides the ISCC structure, the ISCC structure causes the oversizeportion of region 106 to be enabled to be capable of changing color.Area 828, usually roughly concentric with estimated OC area 116 ^(#),encompasses and extends beyond it. Oversize area 828 can be determinedby OT control apparatus 808 and then identified by the enable signal ordetermined by region 106, usually the ISCC structure, in response to theenable signal. Apparatus 808 and region 106, specifically the ISCCstructure, operate so that area 828 virtually always fully encompassesactual OC area 116. For this purpose, the ratio of oversize area 828, inarea, to estimated OC area 116 ^(#), in area, is usually at least 2,preferably at least 4, and usually no more than 16, preferably no morethan 8. The ratio of the average diameter of area 828 to the averagediameter of area 116 ^(#) is thus usually at least √{square root over(2)}, preferably at least 2, and usually no more than 4, preferably nomore than 2√{square root over (2)}.

The IDVC portion (138), which is included in the oversize portion of VCregion 106 and is thereby temporarily enabled to be capable of changingcolor, responds to object 104 impacting oversize area 828 at actual OCarea 116 by temporarily appearing along print area 118 as changed colorX if the impact meets the basic TH impact criteria. When region 106includes structure besides the ISCC structure, the ID ISCC segment (142)causes the IDVC portion to temporarily appear as color X. Theanticipation time period Δt_(ant) between the instant t_(act) at whichthe oversize portion of region 106 becomes enabled to be capable ofchanging color and instant t_(ip) at which object 104 impacts surface102 is usually no more than 200 ms, preferably no more than 100 ms, morepreferably no more than 50 ms, even more preferably no more than 25 ms.The oversize portion of region 106 remains enabled to be capable ofchanging color throughout CC duration Δt_(dr), automatic value Δt_(drau)here unless changed in any of the ways described above, after which theIDVC portion returns to (appearing as) color A.

The oversize portion of VC region 106 typically automatically becomesdisabled from being capable of changing color at a specified enable-endtime period Δt_(end) after the end of CC duration Δt_(dr) and thus afterthe IDVC portion has substantially returned to color A. Enable-end timeperiod Δt_(end) is usually no more than 200 ms, preferably no more than100 ms, more preferably no more than 50 ms, even more preferably no morethan 25 ms. Alternatively, the oversize portion of region 106automatically becomes disabled from being capable of changing color atthe end of CC duration Δt_(dr). This causes the IDVC portion to returnto color A.

VC region 106, specifically the ISCC structure, in the first basic OTtechnique typically contains components 182 and 184. IS segment 192responds to object 104 impacting OC area 116 by providing the generalimpact effect if the impact meets the basic TH impact criteria and theoversize portion of region 106 is enabled to be capable of changingcolor. In other words, segment 192 provides the impact effect inresponse to joint occurrence of the impact meeting the basic TH impactcriteria and the oversize portion of region 106 being enabled to becapable of changing color. CC segment 194 responds to the impact effectby causing the IDVC portion to temporarily appear as color X. When CCcomponent 184 contains assembly 202, the general CC control signalapplied between electrode segments 234 and 236 and largely across coresegment 232 is provided by region 106 in response to the impact effectapplied between a location in NE structure 224 and a location in FEstructure 226 if the oversize portion of region 106 is enabled to becapable of changing color.

In a second basic OT technique, OT control apparatus 808 provides aprincipal general impact tracking signal, specifically at animpact-indicating condition, during at least part of a tracking contacttime period Δt_(cont) extending substantially from when, approximatelyimpact time t_(ip), object 104 impacts SF zone 112 to when,approximately OS time t_(os), object 104 leaves zone 112 according tothe tracked movement of object 104. The general impact tracking signal,which indicates that object 104 impacted zone 112, is transmitted viaCOM path 826A to the IDVC portion (138), specifically the ID ISCCsegment (142). The IDVC portion responds to largely joint occurrence ofthe tracking signal and the impact by temporarily appearing along printarea 118 as color X if the impact meets the basic TH impact criteria.When VC region 106 contains structure besides the ISCC structure, theISCC segment causes the IVDC portion to temporarily appear as color X.

VC region 106, specifically the ISCC structure, in the second basic OTtechnique typically contains components 182 and 184. IS segment 192responds to object 104 impacting OC area 116 by providing the generalimpact effect if the impact meets the basic TH impact criteria. CCsegment 194 responds to largely joint occurrence of the tracking signaland the impact effect, e.g., to the logical AND of the tracking signaland a signal representing the effect, by causing the IDVC portion totemporarily appear as color X. When CC component 184 contains assembly202, the general CC control signal applied between electrode segments234 and 236 and largely across core segment 232 is provided by region106 in response to largely joint occurrence of the tracking signal andthe impact effect which is applied between a location in NE structure224 and a location in FE structure 226.

In a third basic OT technique, the IDVC portion (138), specifically theID ISCC segment (142), responds to object 104 impacting SF zone 112 atOC area 116 by providing a principal general LI impact signal if theimpact meets the basic TH impact criteria, “LI” again meaninglocation-identifying. The general LI impact signal, transmitted via aCOM path 826B to OT control apparatus 808, identifies an expectedlocation of print area 118 in zone 112. Using trajectory-assessmentsoftware, apparatus 808 estimates where object 104 contacted surface 102according to the tracked movement of object 104 and provides a principalgeneral estimation impact signal indicative of the estimated OC areaspanning where object 104 is so estimated to have contacted surface 102if the estimate of that contact is at least partly in zone 112.Apparatus 808 then compares the LI impact signal and the generalestimation impact signal. If the comparison of the LI and estimationimpact signals indicates that area 118 and the estimated OC area atleast partly overlap, apparatus 808 provides a principal general CCinitiation signal to the IDVC portion, specifically the ISCC segment,via path 826A. The IDVC portion responds to the general CC initiationsignal by temporarily appearing along area 118 as color X. When VCregion 106 contains structure besides the ISCC structure, the ISCCsegment causes the IDVC portion to temporarily appear as color X inresponse to the initiation signal.

VC region 106, specifically the ISCC structure, in the third basic OTtechnique typically contains components 182 and 184. IS segment 192responds to object 104 impacting OC area 116 by providing the generalimpact effect in the form of the general LI impact signal if the impactmeets the basic TH impact criteria. After OT control apparatus 808operates on the general LI and estimation impact signals to produce thegeneral CC initiation signal, CC segment 194 responds to the initiationsignal by causing the IDVC portion to temporarily appear along printarea 118 as color X. When CC component 184 includes assembly 202, thegeneral CC control signal applied between electrode segments 234 and 236and largely across core segment 232 is provided by region 106 inresponse to the impact effect applied between a location in NE structure224 and a location in FE structure 226.

Importantly, if a body not tracked by OT control apparatus 808 impactsSF zone 112 so as to meet the basic TH impact criteria in each of thethree OT techniques, apparatus 808 (i) does not provide a general CCenable signal that leads to enablement of the CC capability in anoversize portion of VC region 106 in the first OT technique, (ii) doesnot provide an impact tracking signal to indicate that the bodycontacted zone 112 in the second OT technique, and (iii) does notprovide a general CC initiation signal that leads to a color change atthe location where the body contacted zone 112 in the third OTtechnique. No color change along zone 112 occurs where the bodycontacted zone 112 even though the body's impact met the TH impactcriteria. Each OT technique thus enables IP structure 800 to cause colorchange for impacts of object 104 for which color change is desired andto avoid causing color change for impacts of bodies for which colorchange is not desired.

The need for the general CI impact signal in all three basic OTtechniques is reduced, virtually eliminated, because the object trackingidentifies object 104 and eliminates the need to provide generalsupplemental impact information for use in determining whether a bodyimpacting SF zone 112 constitutes object 104. IG controller 806 cansometimes be provided in simpler form to be responsive only toinstructions 822 and 824. Alternatively, controller 806 can beeliminated, instruction 822 can be directly provided to OT controlapparatus 808, and instruction 824 can be provided directly to screen810.

FIG. 75 illustrates an IP structure 830 containing OI structure 100 andIG system 802 for generating images of print area 118 and selectedadjoining SF area. System 802 is again formed with IG controller 806 andIG structure 804 consisting of image-collecting apparatus 808 and screen810. OI structure 100 and imaging components 806, 808, and 810 here areall configured, embodiable, and operable the same as in IP structure 800except as explained below. In addition, IP structure 830 includes aprincipal general CC controller 832. A network 834 of COM paths extendsfrom VC region 106 to general CC controller 832. COM network 834 maypartly overlap network 814 for system 802. A network 836 of COM pathsextends from controller 832 back to region 106.

Controller 832 can be duration controller 602 for adjusting CC durationΔt_(dr) subsequent to impact. COM networks 834 and 836 then respectivelyembody networks 604 and 606 for transmitting the general LI impact andCC duration signals for VC region 106. Alternatively, controller 832 canbe intelligent controller 702 for providing the supplemental impactassessment capability to determine whether an impact meeting the basicTH impact criteria has certain supplemental impact characteristics and,if so, for causing the IDVC portion (138) to temporarily appear as colorX. The impact characteristics identified by the general CI impact signalprovided by the IDVC portion, specifically the ID ISCC segment (142),upon meeting the TH impact criteria again consist of the locationexpected for print area 118 in SF zone 112 and the general supplementalimpact information. The principal expanded impact criteria that must bemet to cause a temporary color change consist of the basic TH impactcriteria and the supplemental impact criteria. Networks 834 and 836 nowrespectively embody networks 704 and 706 for transmitting the general CIimpact and CC initiation signals. For either embodiment, controller 832responds to instruction 608 the same as controller 602 or 702.

IG controller 806 can operate in various ways when controller 832 is anintelligent controller. It is sometimes desirable to generate a PAVimage regardless of whether the general supplemental impact criteriaare, or are not, met. Controller 806 then supplies the PA identificationsignal in response to the expected location for print area 118 providedin the general CI impact signal. Network 814 may transmit the entiregeneral CI impact signal to controller 806. If so, controller 806largely ignores the supplemental impact information. A PAV image isgenerated whenever the basic TH impact criteria are met. Controller 806usually provides the PA identification signal in response to the generalCC initiation signal supplied from controller 832 via a COM path 838. Inthat case, a PAV image is generated only when the general supplementalimpact criteria are met.

If image-collecting apparatus 808 functions as an OT control apparatusfor optically tracking the movement of object 104 over surface 102 in IPstructure 830, there is generally considerably less need to provide thesupplemental impact assessment capability for distinguishing betweenimpacts of object 104 for which color change at print area 118 isdesired and impacts of bodies for which color change is not desiredbecause the object tracking usually inherently means that impact ofobject 104 on SF zone 112 is highly likely to meet the supplementalimpact criteria. Use of controller 832 as an intelligent controller canoften be significantly reduced or eliminated.

Alternatively, controller 832 performs all or part of the dataprocessing performed by image-collecting apparatus 808 in the three OTtechniques described above. Controller 832 or the combination ofcontroller 832 and apparatus 808 then functions as an OT controlapparatus. For instance, in a variation of the first OT technique,controller 832 estimates where object 104 is expected to contact surface102 according to the tracked movement of object 104 and provides thegeneral CC enable signal if the tracked movement indicates that object104 is expected to contact surface 102 at least partly in SF zone 112.Controller 832 provides the general impact tracking signal in avariation of the second OT technique. In a variation of the third OTtechnique, controller 832 estimates where object 104 contacted surface102 according to the tracked movement of object 104, provides thegeneral estimation impact signal if object 104 is estimated to have atleast partly contacted zone 112, compares the general LI and estimationimpact signals, and provides the general CC initiation signal if thecomparison indicates that the estimated OC area and print area 118 atleast partly overlap.

FIG. 76 illustrates an IP structure 840 consisting of OI structure 400and an IG system 842 for generating images of print area 118 andselected adjoining SF area. The images can be used to examine where area118 occurs in SF zone 112, e.g., to see how closely area 118 comes to aselected part of the boundary of zone 112. Structure 400 here can beembodied with any of OI structures 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470,480, 490, and 500 implemented in any way described above.

IG system 842 consists of IG structure 804 and an IG controller 846 forcontrolling structure 804 to suitably generate principal PAV images.Structure 804 here consists of image-collecting apparatus 808 and screen810 configured and operable the same as in IP structure 800. A network848 of COM paths extends from all cells 404 to IG controller 846. COMnetwork 848 usually includes a set of row COM paths, each connected to adifferent row of cells 404, and a set of column COM paths, eachconnected to a different column of cells 404.

The ISCC part of each CM cell 404 responds to object 104 impacting OCarea 116 by providing the cellular LI impact signal identifying thatcell's location along SF zone 112. The cellular LI impact signal of eachCM cell 404 is transmitted via network 848 to controller 846. FIG. 76and later FIG. 77 utilize solid line to show the parts of network 848used by CM cells 404 in the illustrated example and dashed line to showthe other parts of network 848.

Responsive to the cellular LI impact signals from CM cells 404,controller 846 provides a PA identification signal identifying thelocation of print area 118 in SF zone 112 if an IG condition is met. ThePA identification signal is transmitted via path 816 to IG structure804, specifically image-collecting apparatus 808. As with IG controller806, the IG condition consists of area 118 meeting the above-describeddistance condition or controller 846 receiving instruction 822.Structure 804 here responds to the PA identification signal the same asin IP structure 800.

Controller 846 can usually be selected (or set) the same as controller806 to operate in an automatic mode or in an instruction mode forcausing IG structure 804 to generate a PAV image if the basic TH impactcriteria are met, controller 846 being responsive to instruction 822 inthe instruction mode. Controller 846 may maintain an electronic map ofSF zone 112, including the location of the SF edge of interface 110 andeach other part of the boundary of zone 112. If so, controller 846 cangenerate the data for a PAV image the same as controller 806 uses such amap to generate the data for a PAV image. The PAV-image data is suppliedfrom controller 846 directly, e.g., via path 820, to screen 810 whichdisplays the PAV image. The cell arrangement of VC region 106 in OIstructure 400 facilitates generation of the map because SF part 406 ofeach cell 404 is at a different specified location on the map.Responsive to instruction 824, controller 846 may provide amagnify/shrink signal the same as controller 806.

Image-collecting apparatus 808 optionally functions as an OT controlapparatus for optically tracking the movement of object 104 over surface102 in IP structure 840 in implementations of the OT techniquesdescribed above for IP structure 800 to provide color change only forimpacts of object 104 for which color change is desired. Although notshown in FIG. 76 or 77, path 826A splits into a group of individual COMpaths respectively extending to the ISCC parts of all cells 404.

Cells 404 in an implementation of the first basic OT technique areenablable/disablable cells normally disabled from being capable ofchanging color as they appear along SF parts 406. The oversize portionof VC region 106 is constituted with an ID group of cells 404 termed theoversize cell group. In FIGS. 76 and 77, dashed line is used to indicatethe left-most edges of left-most cells 404 in the oversize cell groupand to indicate the farthest-most edges of farthest-most cells 404 inthe oversize cell group. Oversize area 828 consists of SF parts 406 ofcells 404 in the oversize cell group. Responsive to the CC enable signaltransmitted along one of COM paths 826A, each cell 404 in the oversizecell group is enabled in to be capable of changing color. When region106 includes structure besides the ISCC structure (132), the ISCC partof each cell 404 in the oversize cell group causes that cell 404 to beenabled to be capable of changing color. Each so-enabled cell 404temporarily appears as changed color X if the impact of object 104 on SFzone 112 causes that cell 404 to meet the cellular TH impact criteriaand temporarily become a CM cell. When region 106 contains structurebesides the ISCC structure, the ISCC part of each CM cell 404 causes itto temporarily appear as color X.

The IDVC portion (138) in an implementation of the second basic OTtechnique is constituted with an ID group of cells 404. Each cell 404 inthe ID cell group responds to largely joint occurrence of the generalimpact tracking signal, transmitted along a corresponding one of paths826A, and object 104 impacting SF zone 112 by temporarily appearing ascolor X if the impact causes that cell 404 to meet the cellular THimpact criteria. Cells 404 in the ID group become CM cells that form IDcell group 138*. When VC region 106 includes structure besides the ISCCstructure (132), the ISCC part of each cell 404 in cell group 138*causes that cell 404 to temporarily appear as color X.

In an implementation of the third basic OT technique, each of multiplecells 404 for which the impact of object 104 on that cell's SF part 406meets the cellular TH impact criteria becomes part of a first ID groupof cells 404 termed the ID expected PA cell group. Cells 404 in the IDexpected PA cell group are TH CM cells. Each cell 404, specifically itsISCC part, in the expected PA cell group provides a principal cellularLI impact signal identifying the location of its SF part 406 in SF zone112. Although not shown in FIG. 76 or 77, COM path 826B includes a groupof individual COM paths respectively extending from all cells 404,specifically their ISCC parts, to OT control apparatus 808. The cellularLI impact signal of each cell 404 in the expected PA cell group isprovided along a corresponding one of COM paths 826B to apparatus 808.SF parts 406 of cells 404 in the expected PA cell group form the areaexpected for print area 118. The cellular LI impact signals of all cells404 in the expected PA cell group together form the general LI impactsignal.

OT control apparatus 808 estimates where object 104 contacted surface102 according to the tracked movement of object 104 and provides thegeneral estimation impact signal to determine the estimated OC area hereconsisting of SF parts 406 of a second ID group of cells 404 termed theestimated-area cell group. As in IP structure 800, apparatus 808 heredetermines whether the estimated OC area at least partly overlaps printarea 118. In this way, apparatus 808 determines whether any cell 404 isin both the estimated-area cell group and the expected PA cell group. Ifso, apparatus 808 provides the general CC initiation signal. Each cell404 in the expected PA cell group responds to the CC initiation signal,transmitted along a corresponding one of paths 826A, by temporarilyappearing as color X. When VC region 106 includes structure besides theISCC structure (132), the ISCC part of each cell 404 in the expected PAcell group causes that cell 404 to temporarily appear as color X.

If a body not tracked by OT control apparatus 808 impacts SF zone 112 soas to meet the cellular TH impact criteria in each of theseimplementations of the three basic OT techniques, apparatus 808 (i) doesnot provide a general CC enable signal leading to enablement of the CCcapability in cells 404 in the oversize cell group in the implementationof the first OT technique, (ii) does not provide an impact trackingsignal to indicate that the body contacted zone 112 in theimplementation of the second OT technique, and (iii) does not provide ageneral CC initiation signal leading to a color change at the locationwhere the body contacted zone 112 in the implementation of the third OTtechnique. No color change along zone 112 occurs where the bodycontacted zone 112 even though the body's impact met the cellular THimpact criteria. The implementation of each OT technique enables IPstructure 840 to cause color change for impacts of object 104 for whichcolor change is desired and to substantially avoid causing color changefor impacts of bodies for which color change is not desired. There ismuch less need for the cellular CI impact signals in all threeimplementations because the object tracking identifies object 104,thereby eliminating the need to provide general supplemental impactinformation for use in determining whether a body impacting zone 112constitutes object 104.

FIG. 77 illustrates an IP structure 850 containing OI structure 400 andIG system 842 for generating images of print area 118 and selectedadjoining SF area. IG system 842 is again formed with IG controller 846and IG structure 804 consisting of image-collecting apparatus 808 andscreen 810. Structure 400 and imaging components 808, 810, and 846 hereare all configured, embodiable, and operable the same as in IP structure840 except as explained below. Additionally, IP structure 850 includes aprincipal cell CC controller 852. A network 854 of COM paths extendsfrom all cells 404 to cell CC controller 852. COM network 854 may partlyoverlap network 848 for IG system 842. A network 856 of COM pathsextends from controller 852 back to all cells 404. Each COM network 854or 856 usually includes a set of row COM paths, each connected to adifferent row of cells 404, and a set of column COM paths, eachconnected to a different column of cells 404.

Controller 852 can be duration controller 652 for adjusting CC durationΔt_(dr) of each CM cell 404 subsequent to impact. Networks 854 and 856then respectively embody networks 654 and 656 for transmitting thecellular LI impact and cellular CC duration signals for each CM cell404. FIG. 77 utilizes solid line to show the parts of network 854 and856 used by CM cells 404 in the illustrated example and dashed line toshow the other parts of network 854 and 856. Alternatively, controller852 can be intelligent controller 752 for providing the supplementalimpact assessment capability to determine whether an impact meeting theTH impact criteria has certain supplemental impact characteristics and,if so, for causing TH CM cells 404 to temporarily become full CM cells404 temporarily appearing as color X. If so, the ISCC parts of TH CMcells 404 provide the cellular CI impact signals. The cellular impactcharacteristics for each TH CM cell 404 again consist of its location inSF zone 112 and cellular supplemental impact information. The principalexpanded impact criteria that must be met to cause a temporary colorchange consist of the cellular TH impact criteria and the supplementalimpact criteria. Networks 854 and 856 now respectively embody networks754 and 756 for transmitting the cellular CI impact and CC initiationsignals for each CM cell 404. For either embodiment, controller 852responds to instruction 608 the same as controller 652 or 752.

IG controller 846 can operate in various ways when controller 852 is anintelligent controller. If a PAV image is desired regardless of whetherthe general supplemental impact criteria are, or are not, met, IGcontroller 846 furnishes the PA identification signal in response to theexpected locations for CM cells 404, and thus print area 118, providedin the cellular CI impact signals. A PAV image is generated whenever thecellular TH impact criteria are met. Controller 846 usually provides thePA identification signal in response to the general CC initiation signalsupplied from controller 852 via a COM path 858. A PAV image is thengenerated only when the general supplemental impact criteria are met.

If image-collecting apparatus 808 is used as an OT control apparatus foroptically tracking object 104 over surface 102 in IP structure 850, theneed for the supplemental impact assessment capability is less becausethe object tracking usually inherently means that impact of object 104on SF zone 112 is highly likely to meet the supplemental impactcriteria. Use of controller 852 as an intelligent controller can oftenbe significantly reduced or eliminated. Alternatively, controller 852performs all or part the data processing performed by apparatus 808 inthe implementations of the three OT techniques similar to how controller832 alternatively performs all or part the data processing performed byapparatus 808 in the three OT techniques. Controller 852 or thecombination of controller 852 and apparatus 808 then functions as an OTcontrol apparatus.

The signals provided from and to OI structure 100 or 400 via networks814, 834, and 836 or 848, 854, and 856 in IP structures 800 and 830 or840 and 850 may leave and enter OI structure 100 or 400 via wires alongits sides or/and along substructure 134. Any of those wires leavingstructure 100 or 400 along its sides extend into adjoining material ofFC region 108, into other regions adjoining the sides of structure 100or 400, or/and into open space. Part of the signal processing performedon the signals provided from structure 100 or 400 via networks 814 and834 or 848 and 854 to produce the signals provided to structure 100 or400 via networks 836 or 856 may be physically performed in structure 100or 400, e.g., in FA layer 206 when VC region 106 is embodied as in anyof OI structures 200, 270, and 300 or 460, 480, and 500. Controllers 806and 832 or 846 and 852 may thus partially merge into structure 100 or400.

Multiple Variable-Color Regions

“PP”, “AD”, “FR”, and “CP” hereafter respectively mean principal,additional, further, and composite.

FIGS. 78a and 78b (collectively “FIG. 78”) illustrate the layout of anOI structure 880 for being impacted by object 104. OI structure 880,which serves as or in an IP structure, consists of PP OI structure 100and an AD OI structure 882 that meet along a PP-AD interface 884. SeeFIG. 78 a. Although interface 884 appears straight in FIG. 78 a, 01structures 100 and 882 can be variously geometrically configured, e.g.,curved, or flat and curved, where they meet at interface 884. They canmeet at corners. PP structure 100 can extend partly or fully laterallyaround AD structure 882 and vice versa. For instance, structure 882 canadjoin structure 100 along two or more sides of structure 100 if it isshaped laterally like a polygon and vice versa. Structure 882 consistsof an AD VC region 886 and a subordinate FC region 888 that meet alongan AD region-region interface 890. The preceding observations about theshape of interface 884 apply to interface 890 subject to color regions886 and 888 replacing structures 100 and 882. VC regions 106 and 886meet along interface 884.

AD VC region 886 extends to surface 102 at an AD VC SF zone 892 ofsurface 102 and normally appears along all of AD SF zone 892 as an AD SFcolor B. Region 886 is then in its normal state with only B lightnormally leaving it via zone 892. AD SF color B differs, usuallymaterially, from PP color A. Color B usually differs, usuallymaterially, from changed color X. Region 886 contains AD ISCC structurealong or below all of zone 892. Examples of the AD ISCC structure, notseparately indicated in FIG. 78, are described below and shown in laterdrawings. Region 886 may contain other structure likewise describedbelow and shown in later drawings.

Subordinate FC region 888, which extends to surface 102 at a subordinateFC SF zone 894, fixedly appears along subordinate FC SF zone 894 as asubordinate SF color B′. Subordinate SF color B′, usually different fromsecondary color A′, is often the same as, but can differ significantlyfrom, AD color B. Region 888 can consist of multiple subordinate FCsubregions extending to zone 894 so that consecutive ones appear alongit as different subordinate colors B′. Except as indicated below, region888 is hereafter treated as appearing along zone 894 as only one colorB′. SF zones 892 and 894 meet at an SF edge of interface 890.

Color regions 106, 108, 886, and 888 can laterally have various shapesbesides the rectangles shown in FIG. 78. Examples of these shapes arepresented below for FIGS. 96-101. FC regions 108 and 888 can meet eachother. If so, they can merge so that colors A′ and B′ are the samecolor.

An ID portion, termed the AD IDVC portion, of VC region 886 responds toobject 104 impacting VC SF zone 892 at an AD ID OC area 896 spanningwhere object 104 contacts (or contacted) zone 892 by temporarilyappearing along a corresponding AD ID print area 898 of zone 892 as ageneric altered SF color Y (a) in first general OI embodiments if theimpact on AD ID OC area 896 meets AD basic TH impact criteria usuallynumerically the same as the PP basic TH impact criteria or (b) in secondgeneral OI embodiments if the AD IDVC portion is provided with an ADgeneral CC control signal generated in response to the impact meetingthe AD basic TH impact criteria sometimes dependent on other impactcriteria also being met in those second embodiments. See FIG. 78 b. OCarea 896 is capable of being of substantially arbitrary shape. AD IDprint area 898 constitutes part of zone 892, all of which is capable oftemporarily appearing as generic altered SF color Y. Area 898 closelymatches OC area 896 in size, shape, and location. Specifically, printarea 898 at least partly encompasses OC area 896, at least mostly,usually fully, outwardly conforms to it, and is largely concentric withit. The AD basic TH impact criteria can vary with where print area 898occurs in zone 892.

If VC region 886 includes structure besides the AD ISCC structure, an IDsegment of the AD ISCC structure specifically responds to object 104impacting OC area 896 by causing the AD IDVC portion to temporarilyappear along print area 898 as altered SF color Y (a) in the firstgeneral OI embodiments if the impact on OC area 896 meets the AD basicTH impact criteria or (b) in the second general OI embodiments if the ADID ISCC segment is provided with the AD general CC control signal. Inany event, region 886 goes to its changed state with only Y lighttemporarily leaving the AD IDVC portion via print area 898. Alteredcolor Y differs materially from AD color B. Y light differs materiallyfrom B light. Altered color Y usually differs, usually materially, fromPP color A. Color Y also usually differs from color B′ and may be thesame as, or significantly differ from, changed color X. When object 104impacts on or near PP-AD interface 884, choosing colors X and Y todiffer materially enables an observer to rapidly determine (if desired)whether object 104 only impacted SF zone 112, only impacted SF zone 892,or simultaneously impacted both of SF zones 112 and 892.

Analogous to the PP basic TH impact criteria, the AD basic TH impactcriteria can consist of multiple sets of fully different AD basic THimpact criteria respectively associated with multiple specific (orspecified) altered colors materially different from AD color B. Morethan one, usually all, of the specific altered colors differ, usuallymaterially, from one another. The impact of object 104 on SF zone 892 ispotentially capable of meeting any of the AD basic TH impact criteriasets. If the impact on zone 892 meets the AD basic TH impact criteria,generic altered color Y is the specific altered color for the AD basicTH impact criteria set actually met by that impact likewise sometimesdependent on other criteria also being met. The AD basic TH impactcriteria sets usually form a continuous chain in which consecutivecriteria sets meet each other without overlapping. The AD basic THimpact criteria sets sometimes have the same mathematical description,presented above, as the PP basic TH impact criteria sets and can consistof fully different ranges of excess SF pressure across OC area 896 orexcess internal pressure along a projection of area 896 onto an internalplane the same as described above for the PP basic TH impact criteriasets subject to recitations of AD, altered, color B, color Y, and area896 respectively replacing the preceding recitations of principal,altered, color A, color X, and OC area 116.

FIGS. 79a and 79b (collectively “FIG. 79”) illustrate the layout of anOI structure 900 for being impacted by object 104. OI structure 900,which serves as or in an IP structure, consists of PP OI structure 100,an FR OI structure 902, and VC region 886 that meets OI structures 100and 902 respectively along interface 884 and an AD-FR interface 904. Allthe above observations about the shape of interface 884 apply tointerface 904 subject to FR OI structure 902 replacing OI structure 882.OI structure 902 consists of an FR VC region 906 and an ancillary FCregion 908 that meet along an FR region-region interface 910. See FIG.79 a. All the above observations about the shape of interface 884 applyto interface 910 subject to color regions 906 and 908 replacingstructures 100 and 882. VC regions 886 and 906 meet along interface 904.

FR VC region 906 extends to surface 102 at an FR VC SF zone 912 ofsurface 102 and normally appears along all of FR VC SF zone 912 as an FRSF color C. Region 906 is then its normal state with only C lightnormally leaving region 906 via zone 912. FR SF color C differs, usuallymaterially, from AD color B. Color C usually differs, usuallymaterially, from altered color Y and changed color X. Region 906 cansignificantly differ structurally from, or be the same structurally as,PP VC region 106. FR color C can thus significantly differ from, or bethe same as, PP color A. PP color A, AD color B, and FR color C aresometimes termed normal-state colors. Region 906 contains FR ISCCstructure along or below all of zone 912. Examples of the FR ISCCstructure, not separately indicated in FIG. 79, are described below andshown in later drawings. Region 906 may contain other structure likewisedescribed below and shown in later drawings.

Ancillary FC region 908, which extends to surface 102 at an ancillary FCSF zone 914, fixedly appears along ancillary FC SF zone 914 as anancillary SF color C′. Ancillary SF color C′, usually different fromsubordinate color B′, is often the same as, but can differ significantlyfrom, FR color C. FC region 908 can significantly differ structurallyfrom, or be the same structurally as, FC region 108. Ancillary color C′can thus significantly differ from, or be the same as, secondary colorA′. Also, region 908 can consist of multiple ancillary FC subregionsextending to zone 914 so that consecutive ones appear along zone 914 asdifferent ancillary colors C′. Except as indicated below, region 908 ishereafter treated as appearing along zone 914 as only one color C′.Color SF zones 912 and 914 meet at an SF edge of interface 910.

Color regions 108, 106, 886, 906, and 908 can be laterally shapeddifferently than the rectangles shown in FIG. 79. See FIGS. 96-101. VCregions 106 and 906 can meet each other. If so, they can merge so thatcolors A and C are the same color. FC regions 108 and 908 can likewisemeet each other. If so, regions 108 and 908 can similarly merge so thatcolors A′ and C′ are the same color. FC region 888 (not shown here)having FC SF zone 894 can adjoin VC region 886 where it does not adjoinVC region 106 or 906.

FIG. 79b depicts an example in which object 104 impacts SF zone 892 ofVC region 886 at OC area 896. An ID portion, termed the FR IDVC portion,of VC region 906 responds to object 104 impacting SF zone 912 of region886 at an FR ID OC area 916 spanning where object 104 contacts (orcontacted) zone 912 by temporarily appearing along a corresponding FR IDprint area 918 of zone 912 as a generic modified SF color Z (a) in firstgeneral OI embodiments if the impact on FR ID OC area 916 meets FR basicTH impact criteria usually numerically the same as the AD basic THimpact criteria and thus usually numerically the same as the PP basic THimpact criteria or (b) in second general OI embodiments if the FR IDVCportion is provided with an FR general CC control signal generated inresponse to the impact meeting the FR basic TH impact criteria sometimesdependent on other impact criteria also being met in those secondembodiments. OC area 916 is capable of being of substantially arbitraryshape. FR ID print area 918 constitutes part of zone 912, all of whichis capable of temporarily appearing as generic modified SF color Z.Print area 918 closely matches OC area 916 in size, shape, and location.In particular, print area 918 at least partly encompasses OC area 916,at least mostly, usually fully, outwardly conforms to it, and is largelyconcentric with it. The FR basic TH impact criteria can vary with whereprint area 918 occurs in zone 912.

If VC region 906 includes structure besides the FR ISCC structure, an IDsegment of the FR ISCC structure specifically responds to object 104impacting OC area 916 by causing the FR IDVC portion to temporarilyappear along print area 918 as modified SF color Z (a) in the firstgeneral OI embodiments if the impact on OC area 916 meets the FR basicTH impact criteria or (b) in the second general OI embodiments if the FRID ISCC segment is provided with the FR general CC control signal. Inany event, region 906 goes to its changed state with only Z lighttemporarily leaving the FR IDVC portion via print area 918. OC area 916is spaced apart from OC area 896 in FIG. 79b and, along with print area918, is illustrated in dashed line in FIG. 79b because spaced-apartoccurrences of OC areas 896 and 916 are usually not simultaneouslypresent. Modified color Z differs materially from FR color C. Z lightthus differs materially from C light. Color Z usually differs, usuallymaterially, from AD color B and PP color A. Color Z also usually differsfrom color C′ and may be the same as, or significantly differ from,color X or Y. When object 104 impacts on or near interface 904, choosingcolors Y and Z to differ materially enables an observer to rapidlydetermine (if desired) whether object 104 only impacted SF zone 892,only impacted SF zone 912, or simultaneously impacted both of SF zones892 and 912. Changed color X, altered color Y, and modified color Z aresometimes termed changed-state colors.

The FR basic TH impact criteria can consist of multiple sets of fullydifferent FR basic TH impact criteria respectively associated withmultiple specific (or specified) modified colors materially differentfrom FR color B. More than one, usually all, of the specific modifiedcolors differ, usually materially, from one another. The impact ofobject 104 on SF zone 912 is potentially capable of meeting any of theFR basic TH impact criteria sets. If the impact on zone 912 meets the FRbasic TH impact criteria, generic modified color Z is the specificmodified color for the FR basic TH impact criteria set actually met bythat impact sometimes dependent on other criteria also being met. The FRbasic TH impact criteria sets usually form a continuous chain in whichconsecutive criteria sets meet each other without overlapping. The FRbasic TH impact criteria sets sometimes have the same mathematicaldescription as the PP basic TH impact criteria sets and can consist offully different ranges of excess SF pressure across OC area 916 orexcess internal pressure along a projection of area 916 onto an internalplane the same as occurs with the PP basic TH impact criteria setssubject to recitations of FR, modified, color C, color Z, and OC area916 respectively replacing the preceding recitation of principal,altered, color A, color X, and OC area 116.

Recitations hereafter of (a) AD VC region 886 normally appearing ascolor B mean that it normally so appears along SF zone 892, (b) the ADIDVC portion temporarily appearing as color Y mean that it temporarilyso appears along print area 898, (c) FR VC region 906 normally appearingas color C mean that it normally so appears along SF zone 912, and (d)to the FR IDVC portion temporarily appearing as color Z mean that ittemporarily so appears along print area 918. Region 886 or 906 can beembodied and fabricated in any of the ways described above for embodyingand fabricating VC region 106 subject to B or C light replacing A light.Region 886 or 906 also operates in any way above-described for operatingregion 106 subject to Y or Z light replacing X light and the AD or FRbasic TH impact criteria replacing the PP basic TH impact criteria. Thechange from color B or C to color Y or Z along area 898 or 918 placesregion 886 or 906 in its changed state in which Y or Z light temporarilyleaves the AD or FR IDVC portion via area 898 or 918.

Object 104 can simultaneously impact both VC SF zone 892 and VC SF zone112 or 912. The AD IDVC portion can then temporarily appear as color Yif the AD basic TH impact criteria are met for the impact with OC area896, no print area being identified along zone 892 if the AD basic THimpact criteria are not so met. The PP or FR IDVC portion can similarlytemporarily appear as color X or Z if the PP or FR basic TH impactcriteria are met for the impact with OC area 116 or 916, no print areabeing identified along zone 112 or 912 if the PP or FR basic TH impactcriteria are not so met. The same can be done if object 104simultaneously impacts all three zones 112, 892, and 912. However, thisway of handling simultaneous impact of object 104 on zones 892 and 112or/and 912 results in no print area being identified along zone 112,892, or 912 if the PP, AD, or FR basic TH impact criteria are not meteven though the impact is of such a nature that the PP, AD, or FR basicTH impact criteria would be met if the impact had been fully in zone112, 892, or 912.

Impact of object 104 simultaneously on both SF zone 892 and SF zone 112or 912 or simultaneously on all of zones 112, 892, and 912 is preferablyhandled by having the AD IDVC portion temporarily appear as color Y ifthe impact meets CP basic TH impact criteria for the total VC area whereobject 104 impacts zones 112, 892, and 912, i.e., for OC areas 896 and116 or/and 916. The PP IDVC portion (138) temporarily appears as color Xif, besides impacting zone 892, object 104 impacts zone 112, and the FRIDVC portion temporarily appears as color Z if object 104 also impactszone 912. More specifically, the ID segments of the AD and PP or/and FRISCC structures cause these temporary color changes. The CP basic THimpact criteria are usually numerically the same as the PP basic THimpact criteria and thus usually numerically the same as the AD or FRbasic TH impact criteria. Regardless of how simultaneous impact on zones892 and 112 or/and 912 is handled, CC durations Δt_(dr) for all IDVCportions going to the changed state are usually approximately the same.

The CP basic TH impact criteria can consist of multiple sets of fullydifferent CP basic TH impact criteria respectively associated withmultiple specific changed colors materially different from PP color A,multiple specific altered colors materially different from AD color B,and multiple modified colors materially different from FR color C. Morethan one, usually all, of the specific changed colors differ, usuallymaterially, from one another. The same applies to the specific alteredcolors and to the specific modified colors. The impact of object 104 onSF zones 892 and 112 or/and 912 is potentially capable of meeting any ofthe CP basic TH impact criteria sets. If this impact meets the CP basicTH impact criteria, generic altered color Y is the specific alteredcolor, generic changed color X is the specific changed color, or/andgeneric modified color Z is the specific modified color for the CP basicTH impact criteria set actually met by the impact.

The CP basic TH impact criteria sets usually form continuous chains inwhich consecutive PP criteria sets meet each other without overlapping.The same applies to consecutive AD criteria sets and to consecutive FRcriteria sets. The CP basic TH impact criteria sets sometimes have amathematical description consisting of a combination of the mathematicaldescriptions of the PP, AD, and FR basic TH impact criteria sets and canconsist of fully different ranges of excess SF pressure across OC areas116, 896, and 916 or excess internal pressure along projections of areas116, 896, and 916 onto respective internal planes in the same way asoccurs with the PP, AD, and FR basic TH impact criteria sets.

FIGS. 80 a, 80 b, 81 a, 81 b, 82 a, 82 b, 83 a, 83 b, 84 a, 84 b, 85 a,and 85 b present side cross sections of six embodiments of OI structure900 where each pair of Figs. ja and jb for integer j varying from 80 to85 depicts a different embodiment. The basic side cross sections, andthus how the embodiments appear in the normal state, are respectivelyshown in FIGS. 80 a, 81 a, 82 a, 83 a, 84 a, and 85 a corresponding toFIG. 79 a. FIGS. 80 b, 81 b, 82 b, 83 b, 84 b, and 85 b corresponding toFIG. 79b present examples of changes that occur during the changed statewhen object 104 contacts surface 102 fully within AD VC SF zone 892.

FIGS. 80a and 80b illustrate a general embodiment 920 of OI structure900 in which VC regions 106, 886, and 906 respectively consist only ofPP ISCC structure 132, the AD ISCC structure identified as item 922, andthe FR ISCC structure identified as item 924. FC region 908, AD ISCCstructure 922, and FR ISCC structure 924 meet substructure 134 alonginterface 136. See FIG. 80 a. ISCC structures 922 and 924 alsorespectively extend up to SF zones 892 and 912. Items 926 and 928 inFIG. 80b respectively indicate the AD IDVC portion of region 886 and theAD ID segment of structure 922 present in AD IDVC portion 926. AD IDISCC segment 928 is identical to portion 926 here but is a part ofportion 926 in later embodiments of OI structure 900 where region 886contains structure besides ISCC structure 922.

ISCC structures 922 and 924 usually operate the same as ISCC structure132. Referring to FIG. 80 a, light (if any) reflected by substructure134 so as to leave it along AD VC region 886 during its normal state istermed BRsb light. Light, termed BDic light, normally leaving AD ISCCstructure 922 via SF zone 892 after being reflected or/and emitted bystructure 922, and thus excluding any substructure-reflected BRsb light,consists of (a) light, termed BRic light, normally reflected bystructure 922 so as to leave it via zone 892 after striking zone 892 and(b) light (if any), termed BEic light, normally emitted by structure 922so as to leave it via zone 892. Any BRsb light passes in substantialpart through structure 922. BRic light, any BEic light, and any BRsblight normally leaving structure 922, and therefore region 886, via zone892 form B light. Region 886 normally appears as AD color B.

Light (if any) reflected by substructure 134 so as to leave it along FRVC region 906 during its normal state is termed CRsb light. Light,termed CDic light, normally leaving FR ISCC structure 924 via SF zone912 after being reflected or/and emitted by structure 924, and thusexcluding any substructure-reflected CRsb light, consists of (a) light,termed CRic light, normally reflected by structure 924 so as to leave itvia zone 912 after striking zone 912 and (b) light (if any), termed CEiclight, normally emitted by structure 924 so as to leave it via zone 912.Any CRsb light passes in substantial part through structure 924. CRiclight, any CEic light, and any CRsb light normally leaving structure924, and therefore region 906, via zone 912 form C light. Region 906normally appears as FR color C.

Referring to FIG. 80 b, light (if any) reflected by substructure 134 soas to leave it along AD IDVC portion 926 during the changed state for ADVC region 886 is termed YRsb light. Light, termed YDic light,temporarily leaving AD ID ISCC segment 928 via print area 898 duringthat changed state after being reflected or/and emitted by segment 928,and thus excluding any substructure-reflected YRsb light, consists of(a) light, termed YRic light, temporarily reflected by segment 928 so asto leave it via area 898 after striking area 898 and (b) light (if any),termed YEic light, temporarily emitted by segment 928 so as to leave itvia area 898. YDic light differs materially from B and BDic light. AnyYRsb light passes in substantial part through segment 928. YRic light,any YEic light, and any YRsb light temporarily leaving segment 928, andtherefore portion 926, via area 898 form Y light. Portion 926temporarily appears as color Y.

Light (if any) reflected by substructure 134 so as to leave it along theFR IDVC portion during the changed state for FR VC region 906 is termedZRsb light. Light, termed ZDic light, temporarily leaving an FR ID ISCCsegment of FR ISCC structure 924 via print area 918 during that changedstate after being reflected or/and emitted by the FR ISCC segment, andthus excluding any substructure-reflected ZRsb light, consists of (a)light, termed ZRic light, temporarily reflected by the FR ISCC segmentso as to leave it via area 918 after striking area 918 and (b) light (ifany), termed ZEic light, temporarily emitted by the FR ISCC segment soas to leave it via area 918. ZDic light differs materially from Z andZDic light. Any ZRsb light passes in substantial part through the FRISCC segment. ZRic light, any ZEic light, and any ZRsb light temporarilyleaving the FR ISCC segment, and therefore the FR IDVC portion, via area918 form Z light. The FR IDVC portion temporarily appears as color Z.

BRsb and CRsb light reflected by substructure 134 respectively along VCregions 886 and 906 during the normal state each usually differ fromARsb light reflected by substructure 134 along VC region 106 during thenormal state because the incident light traveling from SF zones 892 and912 respectively through regions 886 and 906 to interface 136 usuallydiffers from the incident light traveling from SF zone 112 throughregion 106 to interface 136. Substructure-reflected BRsb and CRsb lightusually differ from each other. YRsb or ZRsb light reflected bysubstructure 134 along AD IDVC portion 926 or the FR IDVC portion duringthe changed state can be the same as, or significantly different from,BRsb or CRsb light depending on how the light processing in portion 926or the FR IDVC portion during the changed state differs from the lightprocessing in region 886 or 906 during the normal state. YRsb or ZRsblight is absent when BRsb or CRsb light is absent.

FIGS. 81a and 81b illustrate an embodiment 930 of OI structure 920 inwhich VC regions 106, 886, and 906 are again respectively formed solelywith ISCC structures 132, 922, and 924. Region 886, and thus structure922, consists of an AD IS component 932 and an AD CC component 934 whichmeet at an AD light-transmission interface 936. See FIG. 81 a. ADcomponents 932 and 934 are respectively arranged the same as PPcomponents 182 and 184. CC component 934 is formed with an AD electrodeassembly 942, an optional AD NA layer 944, and an optional AD FA layer946 respectively arranged the same as subcomponents 202, 204, and 206.Electrode assembly 942 consists of an AD core layer 952, AD NE structure954, and AD FE structure 956 respectively arranged the same assubcomponents 222, 224, and 226. Light having at least a majoritycomponent of wavelength for color B normally leaves core layer 952 alongNE structure 954 for enabling region 886 to normally appear as color B.

Referring to FIG. 81 b, each of components 932 and 934 has an AD IDsegment present in IDVC portion 926. The same applies to assembly 942,NA layer 944 (when present), and FA layer 946 (when present) and to corelayer 952, NE structure 954, and FE structure 956. While these IDsegments are not labeled in FIG. 81b due to spacing limitations, each ofthem extends laterally fully across portion 926.

ISCC structure 922 (or VC region 886) here operates the same as ISCCstructure 132 (or VC region 106) in OI structure 200 subject to colors Band Y respectively replacing colors A and X and subject to the AD basicTH impact criteria replacing the PP basic TH impact criteria. The IDsegment of IS component 932 responds to object 104 impacting OC area 896so as to meet the AD basic TH impact criteria by providing an AD generalimpact effect as VC region 886 goes to the changed state. The ID segmentof CC component 934 responds to the AD general impact effect, ifprovided, by causing IDVC portion 926 to temporarily appear along printarea 918 as altered color Y. More specifically, region 886 responds tothe AD general impact effect by providing the AD general CC controlsignal that is applied between a VA location in NE structure 954 and aVA location in FE structure 956. At least one of the VA locations is inportion 926, specifically in the ID segment of electrode structure 954or 956, and thus laterally depends on where object 104 contacts SF zone892. Core layer 952 responds to the AD general control signal byenabling light having at least a majority component of wavelength forcolor Y to temporarily leave the ID segment of layer 952 along the IDsegment of NE structure 954 such that portion 926 temporarily appears ascolor Y.

ISCC structure 132 (or VC region 106) here is configured and operablethe same as in OI structure 200. The same applies to ISCC structure 924(or VC region 906) subject to colors C and Z respectively replacingcolors A and X and subject to the FR basic TH impact criteria replacingthe PP basic TH impact criteria. Each ISCC structure 922 or 924 can beembodied and fabricated in any of the ways described above for embodyingand fabricating ISCC structure 132.

FIGS. 82a and 82b illustrate an extension 960 of OI structure 920. OIstructure 960 is configured the same as structure 920 except that VCregions 106, 886, and 906 here respectively include SF structure 242, anAD SF structure 962 extending from SF zone 892 to ISCC structure 922,and an FR SF structure 964 extending from SF zone 912 to ISCC structure924. See FIG. 82 a. SF structures 962 and 964 respectively meet ISCCstructures 922 and 924 along a flat AD structure-structure interface 966and a flat FR structure-structure interface 968 coplanar with each otherand with interface 244.

Light travels through SF structures 962 and 964. Each structure 962 or964 functions the same, is internally configured the same, and has thesame light transmissivity as SF structure 242. VC region 106, 886, or906 here operates the same as region 106 in OI structure 240. Inparticular, AD SF structure 962 typically protects ISCC structure 922from damage and/or spreads pressure to improve the matching betweenprint area 898 and OC area 896 during impact of object 104 on SF zone892. AD structure 962 may provide velocity restitution matching betweenzone 892 and FC SF zone 894 (not shown here), VC SF zone 112, or/and VCSF zone 912. With further reference to FIG. 79 b, FR SF structure 964typically protects ISCC structure 924 from damage and/or spreadspressure to improve the matching between print area 918 and OC area 916during impact on SF zone 912. Structure 964 may provide velocityrestitution matching between zone 912 and FC SF zone 914 or/and VC zone892. Also, structures 962 and 964 may respectively strongly influencecolors B and C or/and colors Y and Z. Structures 242, 962, and 964usually merge seamlessly with one another to form a composite SFstructure.

ISCC structure 922 or 924 here operates the same during the normal stateas in OI structure 900 except that light leaving ISCC structure 922 or924 via SF zone 892 or 912 in OI structure 900 leaves ISCC structure 922or 924 via interface 966 or 968 here. The total light, termed BTiclight, normally leaving structure 922 consists of BRic light reflectedby it, any BEic light emitted by it, and any substructure-reflected BRsblight passing through it. The total light, termed CTic light, normallyleaving structure 924 consists of CRic light reflected by it, any CEiclight emitted by it, and any substructure-reflected CRsb light passingthrough it.

The BRic light, any BEic light, and any BRsb light pass in substantialpart through SF structure 962. Structure 962 may normally reflect light,termed BRss light, leaving it via SF zone 892 after striking zone 892.BRis light, any BEic light, and any BRss and BRsb light normally leavingstructure 962, and thus VC region 886, via zone 892 form B light.Similarly, the CRic light, any CEic light, and any CRsb light pass insubstantial part through SF structure 964. Structure 964 may normallyreflect light, termed CRss light, leaving it via SF zone 912 afterstriking zone 912. CRis light, any CEic light, and any CRss and CRsblight normally leaving structure 964, and therefore VC region 906, viazone 912 form C light.

SF structures 962 and 964 both usually absorb light. BTic or CTic lightreaching SF zone 892 or 912 so as to leave VC region 886 or 906 can beof significantly lower radiosity than total BTic or CTic light directlyleaving ISCC structure 922 or 924 along interface 966 or 968. Theobservations made above about how wavelength dependency of lightabsorption by SF structure 242 affects ARic and AEic light apply to howwavelength dependency of light absorption by SF structure 962 or 964affects BRic and BEic or CRic and CEic light subject to recitations ofBRic or CRic light, BEic or CEic light, SF structure 962 or 964, SF zone892 or 912, interface 966 or 968, ISCC structure 922 or 924, OIstructure 920, and OI structure 960 respectively replacing the precedingrecitations of ARic light, AEic light, SF structure 242, SF zone 112,interface 244, ISCC structure 132, OI structure 130, and OI structure240.

Referring to FIG. 82 b, item 970 indicates the AD ID area where impactof object 104 on AD SF zone 892 causes it to deform. Although AD ID SFDF area 970 is sometimes slightly smaller than OC area 896, area 896 isalso labeled as DF area 970 in FIG. 82b and in later drawings tosimplify the representation. Item 972 is the ID segment of SF structure962 present in IDVC portion 926. Item 974 is the ID segment of interface966 present in portion 926 and is shown in FIG. 82b and in analogouslater side cross-sectional drawings with extra thick line to clearlyidentify its location along interface 966. The excess SF pressurecreated by the impact is transmitted through structure 962 to interface966 for producing excess internal pressure along an ID DP area 976 ofinterface 966. Items 896, 898, 926, 928, 970, 972, 974, and 976respectively undergo the same actions as items 116, 118, 138, 142, 122,252, 254, and 256 in OI structure 240 subject to B and Y lightrespectively replacing A and X light so that portion 926 temporarilyappears as color Y.

The changed state for AD VC region 886 begins as IDVC portion 926changes to a condition in which YRic light reflected by ISCC segment 928and any YEic light emitted by it temporarily leave it along ID IFsegment 974. The total light, termed YTic light, temporarily leavingISCC segment 928 consists of YRic light, any YEic light, and anysubstructure-reflected YRsb light passing through it. The YRic light,any YEic light, and any YRsb light pass in substantial part through IDSS segment 972. If SF structure 962 reflects BRss light during thenormal state, segment 972 reflects BRss light during the changed state.YRic light, any YEic light, and any BRss and BRsb light temporarilyleaving segment 972, and thus portion 926, via print area 898 form Ylight. YDic light differs materially from B and BDic light.

The changed state for FR VC region 906 similarly begins as the FR IDVCportion changes to a condition in which ZRic light reflected by the FRID ISCC segment and any ZEic light emitted by it temporarily leave italong an ID segment of interface 968. The total light, termed ZTiclight, temporarily leaving the FR ISCC segment consists of ZRic light,any ZEic light, and any substructure-reflected ZRsb light passingthrough it. The ZRic light, any ZEic light, and any ZRsb light pass insubstantial part through an ID segment of FR SF structure 964. Ifstructure 964 reflects ZRss light during the normal state, the FR ID SSsegment reflects ZRss light during the changed state. ZRic light, anyZEic light, and any CRss and ZRsb light temporarily leaving the FR SSsegment, and thus the FR IDVC portion, via the FR print area (918) formZ light. ZDic light differs materially from C and CDic light.

Analogous to what occurs with XTic light, YTic light reaching print area898 so as to leave IDVC portion 926 can be of significantly lowerradiosity than total YTic light directly leaving ISCC segment 928 alongIF segment 974. With reference to FIG. 79 b, ZTic light reaching printarea 918 so as to leave the FR IDVC portion can be of significantlylower radiosity than total ZTic light directly leaving the FR ID ISCCsegment along the FR IF segment. The observations made above about howwavelength dependency of light absorption by SS segment 252 affects XRicand XEic light apply to how wavelength dependency of light absorption bySS segment 972 or the FR SS segment affects YRic and YEic or ZRic andZEic light subject to recitations of YRic or ZRic light, YEic or ZEiclight, print area 898 or 918, ISCC segment 928 or the FR ISCC segment,IF segment 974 or the FR IF segment, SS segment 972 or the FR SSsegment, SF structure 962 or 964, OI structure 920, OI structure 960,and ISCC structure 922 or 924 respectively replacing the precedingrecitations of XRic light, XEic light, print area 118, ISCC segment 142,IF segment 254, SS segment 252, SF structure 242, OI structure 130, OIstructure 240, and ISCC structure 132.

SF structures 962 and 964 function as color filters for significantlyabsorbing light of selected wavelength in a preferred embodiment of OIstructure 960 in which SF structure 962 strongly influences AD color Bor/and altered color Y and in which SF structure 964 strongly influencesFR color C or/and modified color Z. In this embodiment, total BTic lightas it leaves ISCC structure 922 along interface 966 during the normalstate for VC region 886 is of wavelength for a color termed AD internalcolor BTic. Total CTic light as it leaves ISCC structure 924 alonginterface 968 during the normal state for VC region 906 is of wavelengthfor a color termed FR internal color CTic. Total YTic light as it leavesISCC segment 928 along IF segment 974 during the changed state forregion 886 is of wavelength for a color termed altered internal colorYTic. Total ZTic light as it leaves the FR ID ISCC segment along the FRIF segment during the changed state for region 906 is of wavelength fora color termed modified internal color ZTic.

A selected one of internal colors BTic and YTic for VC region 886 is anAD comparatively light color LA. The remaining one is an ADcomparatively dark color DA darker than light color LA. Similarly, aselected one of internal colors CTic and ZTic for VC region 906 is an FRcomparatively light color LF. The remaining one is an FR comparativelydark color DF darker than light color LF. Lightness L* of light color LAor LF is usually at least 70, preferably at least 80, more preferably atleast 90. Lightness L* of dark color DA or DF is usually no more than30, preferably no more than 20, more preferably no more than 10.

The following relationships arise between SF colors B and Y or C and Zdue to light absorption by SF structure 962 or 964. If AD internal colorBTic for VC region 886 is light color LA, AD SF color B is darker thanlight color LA while changed SF color Y may be darker than dark color DAdepending on the characteristics of the light absorption by structure962 and on the lightness of color DA. Since color Y differs materiallyfrom color B, color Y is usually materially darker than color B.Similarly, if altered internal color YTic for region 886 is light colorLA, altered SF color Y is darker than light color LA while AD SF color Bmay be darker than color DA. Color B is then usually materially darkerthan color Y.

If FR internal color CTic for VC region 906 is light color LF, FR SFcolor C is darker than light color LF due to the light absorption by SFstructure 964 while modified SF color Z may be darker than dark color DFdepending on the characteristics of the light absorption by structure964 and on the lightness of color DF. Because color Z differs materiallyfrom color C, color Z is usually materially darker than color C. Ifmodified internal color ZTic for region 906 is light color LF, modifiedSF color Z is darker than light color LF while FR SF color C may bedarker than dark color DF. Color C is then usually materially darkerthan color Z. Structure 962 strongly influences AD color B or/andaltered color Y while structure 964 strongly influences FR color Cor/and modified color Z.

Importantly, ISCC structures 922 and 924 preferably have the samephysical and chemical properties as ISCC structure 132 in thisembodiment of OI structure 960. ISCC structures 132, 922, and 924 arepreferably of the same internal construction, including dimensionsperpendicular to substructure 134, in this preferred OI embodiment sothat the cost of developing at least two ISCC structures differing inphysical properties, chemical properties, or/and internal constructionis avoided. In fact, structures 132, 922, and 924 here are preferablyfabricated simultaneously as a single ISCC structure, thereby reducingthe fabrication cost compared to the cost of fabricating at least twoISCC structures differing in physical properties, chemical properties,or/and internal construction. Internal colors BTic and CTic are thusidentical to PP internal color ATic in this embodiment of OI structure960. Internal colors YTic and ZTic are identical to changed internalcolor XTic in this preferred OI embodiment.

The light absorption characteristics of SF structure 962 differsignificantly from those of both of SF structures 242 and 964 in thepreferred embodiment of OI structure 960. The light absorptioncharacteristics of structures 242, 962, and 964 are chosen so thatnormal-state color B differs significantly from normal-state colors Aand C. Color B is enabled to differ significantly from colors A and C byappropriately arranging for structure 962 to have significantlydifferent light characteristics than structures 242 and 964 preferablyformed, along with structure 962, on a single ISCC structure whichcooperates with structures 242, 962, and 964 for enabling colors A, B,and C to respectively differ materially from changed-state colors X, Y,and Z. Because the development of multiple different ISCC structures isavoided, this OI embodiment is a highly efficient arrangement forachieving the invention's color-difference specifications. The colorsembodying colors A, B, C, X, Y, and Z can be varied by changing thelight absorption characteristics of structures 242, 962, and 964 withoutmodifying the ISCC structure.

Arranging for normal-state color B to differ significantly fromnormal-state colors A and C is facilitated by choosing internal colorBTic to be light color LA. In that case, internal color ATic can bechosen to be light color LP or dark color DP while internal color CTiccan be chosen to be light color LF or dark color DF. Choosing internalcolors ATic and CTic to respectively be dark colors DA and DF providescolor B with greater differences from colors A and C than does choosingcolors ATic and CTic to respectively be light colors LP and LF butresults in changed-state color Y differing more from changed-statecolors X and Z. In any event, color B differs significantly from colorsA and C when internal colors ATic and CTic are respectively chosen aslight colors LP and LF by appropriately choosing the light absorptioncharacteristics of SF structures 242, 962, and 964, especially takingadvantage of the fact that colors A, B, and C are then respectivelydarker than light colors LP, LA, and LF.

Changed-state color Y may or may not differ significantly fromchanged-state colors X and Z depending on the light absorptioncharacteristics of SF structures 242, 962, and 964 and on which ofcolors LP, DP, LA, DA, LF, and DF are chosen for normal-state color A,B, and C and, by default, for colors X, Y, and Z. Arranging for colorsX, Y, and Z to be close to one another, is facilitated for the preferredsituation in which internal color BTic is light color LA by choosinginternal colors ATic and CTic respectively to be light colors LP and LFso that internal colors XTic and ZTic respectively are dark colors DPand DF. Inasmuch as colors X, Y, and Z are then respectively darker thandark colors DP, DA, and DF, colors X, Y, and Z become closer to oneanother as dark colors DP, DA, and DF become progressively darker andbecome the same, namely black, when colors DP, DA, and DF become black.

In fabricating the preferred embodiment of OI structure 960, the singleISCC structure implementing ISCC structures 132, 922, and 924 is usuallyfirst provided on substructure 134. SF structures 242, 962, and 964 arethen provided on the ISCC structure. Structures 242, 962, and 964 can beprefabricated, e.g., as layers or strips, and then attached to the ISCCstructure. Consecutive ones of the layers or strips are usually smoothand seamless where they meet along surface 102. The layers or strips arealso usually smooth and seamless where they meet FC regions alongsurface 102. Alternatively, structures 242, 962, and 964 can bedeposited on the ISCC structure in fluid or semi-fluid form. The fluidcan be a liquid or a gas. If the fluid is a liquid, the liquid orsemi-liquid material of structures 242, 962, and 964 is suitably dried.A semi-liquid form of the SS material can be a mixture, e.g., slurry, ofsolid particles and liquid such as water.

FIGS. 83a and 83b illustrate an embodiment 980 of OI structure 960. OIstructure 980 is also an extension of OI structure 930 to include SFstructures 242, 962, and 964 respectively in VC regions 106, 886, and906. ISCC structure 132 here consists of components 182 and 184configured and operable the same as in OI structure 260 and thus thesame as in OI structure 180. CC component 184 here preferably consistsof subcomponents 204, 224, 222, 226, and 206 (not shown) configured andoperable the same as in OI structure 270 and therefore the same as in OIstructure 200. ISCC structure 922 here is formed with IS component 932and CC component 934 consisting of subcomponents 944, 954, 952, 956, and946 configured and operable the same as in OI structure 930. SFstructure 962, which again meets IS component 932 along interface 966,is here configured the same as in OI structure 930. ISCC structure 922and SF structure 962 respectively operate the same as structures 132 and242 in OI structure 270 subject to colors B and Y respectively replacingcolors A and X and subject to the AD basic TH impact criteria replacingthe PP basic TH impact criteria.

ISCC structure 924 consists of an FR IS component 982 and an FR CCcomponent 984 that meet at an FR light-transmission interface 986. FRcomponents 982 and 984 are configured the same as PP components 182 and184 in OI structure 260, preferably as in OI structure 270, and thus thesame as components 182 and 184 in OI structure 180, preferably as in OIstructure 200. ISCC structure 924 and SF structure 964 operate the sameas structures 132 and 242 in OI structure 260, preferably as in OIstructure 270, subject to colors C and Z respectively replacing colors Aand X and subject to the FR basic TH impact criteria replacing the PPbasic TH impact criteria. Each ISCC structure 922 or 924 can again beembodied and fabricated in any of the ways described above for embodyingand fabricating ISCC structure 132. SF structures 242, 962, and 964typically provide the above-described protection and matching functions.

FIGS. 84a and 84b illustrate an extension 990 of OI structure 960 forwhich the duration of each temporary color change along each print area118, 898, or 918 is extended in a pre-established deformation-controlledmanner. OI structure 990 is configured the same as structure 960 exceptthat VC regions 106, 886, and 906 here respectively include DE structure282 extending from substructure 134 to ISCC structure 132, an AD DEstructure 992 extending from substructure 134 to ISCC structure 922, andan FR DE structure 994 extending from substructure 134 to ISCC structure924. See FIG. 84 a. DE structures 992 and 994 respectively meet ISCCstructures 922 and 924 along a flat AD structure-structure interface 996and a flat FR structure-structure interface 998 coplanar with each otherand with interface 284. SF structures 242, 962, and 964 here typicallyprovide the above-described protection and matching functions.

Each DE structure 992 or 994 is configured and operable the same as DEstructure 282. Referring to FIG. 84b and to FIGS. 18b and 79 b, VCregion 106, 886, or 906 here operates in a deformation-based wayutilizing DE structure 282, 992, or 994 as described above for structure282 in OI structure 320 to extend automatic value Δt_(drau) of durationΔt_(dr) of the changed state from color A, B, or C along print area 118,898, or 918 to color X, Y, or Z from base duration Δt_(drbs) to the sumof duration Δt_(drbs) and extension duration Δt_(drext) in response toobject 104 impacting OC area 116, 896, or 916.

In particular, DE structure 992 responds to the deformation along ID DParea 976 of interface 966 resulting from the impact-caused deformationalong SF DF area 970 by deforming along an AD ID internal DF area 1000of interface 996. Item 1002 is the ID segment of structure 992 presentin IDVC portion 926. Item 1004 is the ID segment of interface 996present in portion 926. Items 896, 898, 926, 928, 970, 972, 974, 976,1000, 1002, and 1004 respectively undergo the same actions as items 116,118, 138, 142, 122, 252, 254, 256, 288, 292, and 294 in OI structure 320subject to B and Y light respectively replacing A and X light such thatportion 926 temporarily appears as color Y.

SF structures 242, 962, and 964 may be deleted in a variation of OIstructure 990. VC region 106, 886, or 906 then operates in adeformation-based way utilizing DE structure 282, 992, or 994 asdescribed above for structure 282 in OI structure 280 to extendchanged-state automatic duration Δt_(drau) from color A, B, or C alongprint area 118, 898, or 918 to color X, Y, or Z from base durationΔt_(drbs) to Δt_(drbs)+Δt_(drext) in response to object 104 impacting OCarea 116, 896, or 916.

FIGS. 85a and 85b illustrate an extension 1010 of OI structure 980 forwhich the duration of each temporary color change along print area 118,898, or 918 is extended in a pre-established deformation-controlledmanner. OI structure 1010 is configured the same as structure 980 exceptthat VC regions 106, 886, and 906 here respectively include DE structure302 lying between components 182 and 184, an AD DE structure 1012 lyingbetween components 932 and 934, and an FR DE structure 1014 lyingbetween components 982 and 984. See FIG. 85 a. AD DE structure 1012meets components 932 and 934 respectively along flat near and farlight-transmission interfaces 1016 and 1018 coplanar with interfaces 304and 306. FR DE structure 1014 meets components 982 and 984 respectivelyalong flat near and far light-transmission interfaces 1026 and 1028coplanar with interfaces 304 and 306. SF structures 242, 962, and 964here again typically provide the above-described protection and matchingfunctions.

Each DE structure 1012 or 1014 is configured and operable the same as DEstructure 302. CC component 184 here consists of subcomponents 204, 224,222, 226, and 206 configured the same as in OI structure 330 and thusthe same as in OI structure 200. Components 182 and 184 and structures242 and 302 here operate the same as in OI structure 330. CC component934 here consists of subcomponents 944, 954, 952, 956, and 946configured the same as in OI structure 980. Components 932 and 934 andstructures 962 and 1012 respectively operate the same as components 182and 184 and structures 242 and 302 in OI structure 330 subject to colorsB and Y respectively replacing colors A and X and subject to the ADbasic TH impact criteria replacing the PP basic TH impact criteria.

CC component 984 here is usually configured the same as CC component 184in OI structure 330 and thus the same as component 184 in OI structure200. Components 982 and 984 and structures 964 and 1014 respectivelyoperate the same as components 182 and 184 and structures 242 and 302 inOI structure 330 subject to colors C and Z respectively replacing colorsA and X and subject to the FR basic TH impact criteria replacing the PPbasic TH impact criteria. Referring to FIG. 85b and to FIGS. 19b and 79b, VC region 106, 886, or 906 here operates in a deformation-based wayutilizing DE structure 302, 1012, or 1014 as described above for DEstructure 302 in OI structure 330 to extend changed state automaticduration Δt_(drau) from color A, B, or C along print area 118, 898, or918 to color X, Y, or Z from Δt_(drbs) to Δt_(drbs)+Δt_(drext) inresponse to object 104 impacting OC area 116, 896, or 916.

Specifically, DE structure 1012 responds to the deformation along DParea 976 of interface 966 resulting from the impact-caused deformationalong SF DF area 970 by deforming along an AD ID internal DF area 1030of interface 1016. Items 1032, 1034, 1036, and 1038 are the ID segmentsof components 932 and 934, structure 1012, and interface 1016respectively present in IDVC portion 926. Items 896, 898, 926, 928, 970,972, 1030, 1032, 1034, 1036, and 1038 respectively undergo the sameactions as items 116, 118, 138, 142, 122, 252, 308, 192, 194, 312, and314 in OI structure 330 subject to B and Y light respectively replacingA and X light such that portion 926 temporarily appears as color Y.

SF structures 242, 962, and 964 may be deleted in a variation of OIstructure 1010. VC region 106, 886, or 906 then operates in adeformation-based way utilizing DE structure 302, 1012, or 1014 asdescribed above for structure 302 in OI structure 300 to extendchanged-state automatic duration Δt_(drau) from color A, B, or C alongprint area 118, 898, or 918 to color X, Y, or Z from base durationΔt_(drbs) to Δt_(drbs)+Δt_(drext) in response to object 104 impacting OCarea 116, 896, or 916.

FIGS. 86a and 86b (collectively “FIG. 86”) illustrate the layout of anOI structure 1080 for being impacted by object 104. OI structure 1080,which serves as or in an IP structure, consists of OI structure 400 andan AD OI structure 1082 which respectively embody OI structures 100 and882 of larger OI structure 880. VC region 886 of AD OI structure 1082 isallocated into a multiplicity of AD independently operable VC cells1084, usually identical, arranged laterally in a layer as atwo-dimensional array. Each AD VC cell 1084 extends to a correspondingpart 1086 of SF zone 892. The dotted lines in FIG. 86 indicateinterfaces between SF parts 406 or 1086 of adjacent cells 404 or 1084.The general layout of structure 1080 is shown in FIG. 86 a. FIG. 86bdepicts an example of color change that occurs along zone 892 upon beingimpacted by object 104 indicated in dashed line at a location subsequentto impact.

Cells 1084 are typically of the same shape and size as cells 404, asoccurs in the example of FIG. 86, but can be of different shape or/andsize than cells 404. Subject to colors B and Y respectively replacingcolors A and X and subject to the PP cellular TH being replaced with ADcellular TH impact criteria usually numerically the same as the PPcellular TH impact criteria, cells 1084 can be configured, fabricated,programmed, and operated in any way described above for configuring,fabricating, programing, and operating cells 404. This includesvariously embodying cells 1084 with parts of IS component 932, CCcomponent 934, SF structure 962, and DE structure 992 or 1012 in any waythat cells 404 are variously embodied with parts of components 182 and184, SF structure 242, and DE structure 282 or 302.

FIGS. 87a and 87b (collectively “FIG. 87”) illustrate the layout of anOI structure 1100 for being impacted by object 104. OI structure 1100,which serves as or in an IP structure, consists of OI structure 400,cellular VC region 886, and an FR OI structure 1102 which respectivelyembody OI structure 100, region 886, and OI structure 902 of larger OIstructure 900. Hence, structure 1100 embodies structure 900. VC region906 of FR OI structure 1102 is allocated into a multiplicity of FRindependently operable VC cells 1104, usually identical, arrangedlaterally in a layer as a two-dimensional array. Each FR VC cell 1104extends to a corresponding part 1106 of SF zone 912. The dotted lines inFIG. 87 indicate interfaces between SF parts 406, 1086, or 1106 ofadjacent cells 404, 1084, or 1104. The general layout of structure 1100is shown in FIG. 87 a. FIG. 87b depicts an example of color change thatoccurs along SF zone 892 upon being impacted by object 104 indicated indashed line at a location subsequent to impact.

Cells 1104 are typically of the same shape and size as cells 404 and1084, as occurs in the example of FIG. 87, but can be of different shapeor/and size than cells 404 and 1084. SF parts 406, 1086, and 1106 areshaped as regular hexagons in this example but can be shaped like otherpolygons, preferably quadrilaterals, more preferably rectangles,typically squares, or triangles, e.g., equilateral triangles. Interfaces110, 884, 904, and 910, although crooked in FIG. 87 due to the hexagonalcell shape, generally become straighter (or flatter) as cell SF parts406, 1086, and 1106 become smaller. Subject to colors C and Zrespectively replacing colors A and X and subject to the PP cellular THimpact criteria being replaced with FR cellular TH impact criteriausually numerically the same as the PP cellular TH impact criteria,cells 1104 can be configured, fabricated, programmed, and operated inany way described above for configuring, fabricating, programming, andoperating cells 404. This includes variously embodying cells 1104 withparts of IS component 982, CC component 984, SF structure 964, and DEstructure 994 or 1014 in any way that cells 404 are variously embodiedwith parts of components 182 and 184, SF structure 242, and DE structure282 or 302.

Also, no changes in operation are needed if object 104 simultaneouslyimpacts SF zones 892 and 112 or/and 912. Each cell 404, 1084, or 1104meeting the PP, AD, or FR cellular TH impact criteria simply temporarilybecomes a PP, AD, or FR CM cell. Recitations hereafter of (a) cells 1084normally appearing as color B mean that they normally so appear alongtheir parts 1086 of zone 892, (b) an AD CM cell 1084 temporarilyappearing as color Y means that it temporarily so appears along its part1086 of print area 898, (c) cells 1104 normally appearing as color Cmean that they normally so appear along their parts 1106 of zone 912,and (d) to an FR CM cell 1104 temporarily appearing as color Z meansthat it temporarily so appears along its part 1106 of print area 918.

In manufacturing OI structure 1100, cells 404, 1084, and 1104 can beprovided with programmable RA parts of any type described above and canbe fabricated so as to be identical upon completion of manufacture.Cells 404, 1084, and 1104 are then selectively programmed according tothe programming technique appropriate to the type of RA partsincorporated into cells 404, 1084, and 1104 so as to define thelocations of interfaces 884 and 904 and any other interface between VCregion 886 and another VC region such as VC region 106 or 906. Whenstructure 1100 is embodied using the cellular version of any of themid-emission embodiments, cells 404, 1084, and 1104 can alternatively oradditionally be configured to have core subparts operable to emitradiosity-adjustable primary-color light as described above and canagain be fabricated to be identical upon manufacture completion. Cells404, 1084, and 1104 in the mid-emission embodiments are then selectivelyprogrammed as described above to define the locations of interfaces 884and 904 and any other interface between region 886 and another VCregion. The boundaries of SF zone 892 along SF zones 112 and 912 and anyother VC SF zones in surface 102 are thereby determined by thepost-manufacture cell programming.

The cell programming can be partly or fully performed using the cell CCcontroller described below for FIGS. 89, 92, and 93 with the programmingvoltages provided partly or fully along the COM paths for transmittingsignals to OI structure 1100 depending on how cells 404, 1084, and 1104are made programmable and programmed. Separate cell-controller equipment(not shown) including separate COM paths (not shown) for partly or fullysupplying the programming voltages may be used in the cell programming.

The forgoing programming explanation applies to OI structure 1080subject to interface 904 not being present in structure 1080. Theboundary of SF zone 892 along SF zone 112 in surface 102 is thusdetermined by the post-manufacture cell programming.

FIG. 88 illustrates an IP structure 1110 consisting of (a) OI structure900 formed with OI structure 100, VC region 886, and OI structure 902and (b) a general CC controller 1114 responsive to instruction 608 forcontrolling duration Δt_(dr) of the changed state in response tosuitable impact of object 104 on one or more of SF zones 112, 892, and912. Networks 1116, 1118, and 1120 of COM paths respectively extend fromVC regions 106, 886, and 906 to general CC controller 1114. Networks1122, 1124, and 1126 of COM paths extend from controller 1114respectively back to regions 106, 886, and 906. COM networks 1116, 1120,1122, and 1126 are shown in dashed line in FIG. 88 because only COMnetworks 1118 and 1124 are used in the example of FIG. 88 in whichobject 104 impacts zone 892.

Controller 1114 may operate as a duration controller similar tocontroller 602 or as an intelligent controller similar to controller702. As a duration controller, controller 1114 responds to instruction608 for adjusting CC duration Δt_(dr) after object 104 suitably impactsSF zone 112, 892, or 912. Also see FIGS. 5 b, 54 b, and 79 b. For impacton zone 112, networks 1116 and 1122 respectively embody network 604carrying the PP general LI impact signal if the PP basic TH impactcriteria are met and network 606 carrying the PP general CC durationsignal if instruction 608 is provided. The PP IDVC portion (138)temporarily appears as color X in accordance with instruction 608.

For impact on SF zone 892 or 912, the AD ID ISCC segment (928) or the FRID ISCC segment provides an AD or FR general LI impact signal inresponse to the impact if it meets the AD or FR basic TH impactcriteria. The AD or FR general LI impact signal, transmitted via network1118 or 1120 to controller 1114, identifies the actual or expectedlocation of print area 898 or 918 along zone 892 or 912. If instruction608 is provided, controller 1114 responds to it and to the AD or FRgeneral LI impact signal by providing an AD or FR general CC durationsignal transmitted via network 1124 or 1126 to the AD or FR ISCCsegment. The AD or FR ISCC segment responds by causing the AD IDVCportion (926) or the FR IDVC portion to temporarily appear as color Y orZ in accordance with instruction 608.

Impact of object 104 simultaneously on both SF zone 892 and SF zone 112or 912 or simultaneously on all of zones 112, 892, and 912 is preferablyhandled by having the AD ID ISCC segment (928) provide the AD general LIimpact signal if the impact meets the above-described CP basic TH impactcriteria for the total VC area, i.e., OC areas 896 and 116 or/and 916,where object 104 contacts zones 112 and 892 or/and 912. The PP ID ISCCsegment (142) then provides the PP general LI impact signal if object104 impacts zone 112, and the FR ID ISCC segment provides the FR generalLI impact signal if object 104 impacts zone 912.

As an intelligent controller, controller 1114 provides a supplementalimpact assessment capability for determining whether an impact of object104 on SF zone 112, 892, or 912 meeting the PP, AD, or FR basic THimpact criteria has certain supplemental impact characteristics and, ifso, for causing the IDVC portion in VC region 106, 886, or 906 totemporarily appear as color X, Y, or Z. Also see FIGS. 5 b, 64 b, and 79b. Also, controller 1114 here responds to instruction 608 for adjustingCC duration Δt_(dr) in the preceding way. For impact on zone 112,networks 1116 and 1122 respectively embody network 704 carrying the PPgeneral CI impact signal provided by the PP ID ISCC segment (142) if thePP basic TH impact criteria are met and network 706 carrying the PPgeneral CC initiation signal, here provided by controller 1114, forcausing the PP IDVC portion (138) to temporarily appear as color X ifthe PP general supplemental impact information provided by the PPgeneral CI impact signal meet the PP supplemental impact criteria.Network 1122 also embodies network 606 carrying the PP general CCduration signal if instruction 608 is provided.

For impact on SF zone 892 or 912, the AD ID ISCC segment (928) or the FRID ISCC segment provides an AD or FR general CI impact signal inresponse to object 104 impacting zone 892 or 912 if the AD or FR basicTH impact criteria are met. The AD or FR general CI impact signal,transmitted via network 1118 or 1120 to controller 1114, identifiescertain AD or FR characteristics of that impact. The AD or FR impactcharacteristics consist of the location expected for print area 898 or918 in zone 892 or 912 and AD or FR general supplemental impactinformation usually formed with the same parameters, e.g., PA sizeand/or shape, as the PP general supplemental impact information.

Controller 1114 responds by determining whether the AD or FR generalsupplemental impact information meet AD or FR supplemental impactcriteria usually numerically the same as the PP supplemental impactcriteria and, if so, provides an AD or FR general CC initiation signal,transmitted via network 1124 or 1126 to the AD ID ISCC segment (928) orthe FR ID ISCC segment, for causing the AD IDVC portion (926) or the FRIDVC portion to temporarily appear as color Y or Z. An impact on SF zone892 or 912 must meet AD or FR expanded impact criteria consisting of theAD or FR basic TH impact criteria and the AD or FR supplemental impactcriteria to cause a temporary color change. IP structure 1110 thusprovides color change for suitable impacts of object 104 for which colorchanges is desired and substantially avoids providing color change forimpacts of bodies for which color change is not desired. If controller1114 receives instruction 608 and if the AD or FR supplemental impactcriteria are met, controller 1114 responds by providing the AD or FRgeneral CC duration signal, transmitted via network 1124 or 1126 to theAD or FR ISCC segment, for adjusting CC duration Δt_(dr) subsequent toimpact.

Similar to the PP supplemental impact criteria, the AD or FRsupplemental impact criteria can consist of multiple sets of fullydifferent AD or FR supplemental impact criteria respectively associatedwith different specific altered or modified colors materially differentfrom AD color B or FR color C. More than one, usually all, of thespecific altered or modified colors again differ, usually materially,from one another. The AD or FR supplemental impact information ispotentially capable of meeting any of the AD or FR supplemental impactcriteria sets. If the AD or FR supplemental impact information meets theAD or FR supplemental impact criteria, generic altered color Y orgeneric modified color Z is the specific altered or modified color forthe AD or FR supplemental impact criteria set actually met by the AD orFR supplemental impact information. Controller 1114 usually provides theAD or FR general CC initiation signal for causing the AD IDVC portion(926) or the FR IDVC portion to temporarily appear as specific alteredcolor Y or specific modified color Z for the AD or FR supplementalimpact criteria set met by the AD or FR supplemental impact informationthe same as controller 702 provides the PP general CC initiation signalfor causing the PP IDVC portion (138) to temporarily appear as thespecific changed color X for the PP supplemental impact criteria set metby the PP supplemental impact information.

Impact of object 104 simultaneously on SF zones 892 and 112 or/and 912is preferably handled by having the AD ID ISCC segment (928) provide theAD general CI impact signal if the impact meets the CP basic TH impactcriteria for the total VC area where object 104 contacts zones 112 and892 or/and 912. The PP ID ISCC segment (142) then provides the PPgeneral CI impact signal if, besides impacting zone 892, object 104impacts zone 112, and the FR ID ISCC segment provides the FR general CIimpact signal if object 104 also impacts zone 912. Controller 1114responds to the two or three general CI impact signals by combining theAD and PP or/and FR general supplemental impact information to form CPgeneral supplemental impact information and determining whether it meetsCP supplemental impact criteria usually numerically the same as the ADsupplemental impact criteria and therefore usually numerically the sameas the PP and FR supplemental impact criteria. If so, controller 1114provides the AD general CC initiation signal for causing the AD IDVCportion (926) to temporarily appear as color Y. Controller 1114 providesthe PP general CC initiation signal for causing the PP IDVC portion(138) to temporarily appear as color X if object 104 also impacted SFzone 112 or/and the FR general CC initiation signal for causing the FRIDVC portion to temporarily appear as color Z if object 104 alsoimpacted zone 912. An impact on zones 892 and 112 or/and 912 must thusmeet CP expanded impact criteria consisting of the CP basic TH impactcriteria and the CP supplemental impact criteria, which apply to thetotal VC area where object 104 contacts zones 112 and 892 or/and 912, tocause a temporary color change.

The CP supplemental impact criteria can consist of multiple sets offully different CP supplemental impact criteria respectively associatedwith multiple specific altered colors materially different from AD colorB and multiple specific changed colors materially different from PPcolor A or/and multiple modified colors materially different from FRcolor C. More than one, usually all, of the specific changed, altered,or modified colors differ, usually materially. The impact of object 104on SF zones 892 and 112 or/and 912 is potentially capable of meeting anyof the CP supplemental impact criteria sets. If the impact meets the CPsupplemental impact criteria, generic modified color Y is the specificaltered color and generic changed color X is the specific changed coloror/and generic modified color Z is the specific modified color for theCP supplemental impact criteria set actually met by the impact.

FIG. 89 illustrates an IP structure 1130 consisting of (a) OI structure1100 formed with OI structure 400, cellular VC region 886, and OIstructure 1102 and (b) a cell CC controller 1134 responsive toinstruction 608 for controlling duration Δt_(dr) of the changed state inresponse to suitable impact of object 104 on one or more of SF zones112, 892, and 912. SF parts 406, 1086, and 1106 of cells 404, 1084, and1104 are shown here as being rectangles, specifically squares. Networks1136, 1138, and 1140 of COM paths respectively extend from VC regions106, 886, and 906 to cell CC controller 1134. Networks 1142, 1144, and1146 of COM paths extend from controller 1134 respectively back toregions 106, 886, and 906. Each COM network 1136, 1138, 1140, 1142,1144, or 1146 usually includes a set of row COM paths, each connected toa different row of cells 404, 1084, or 1104, and a set of column COMpaths, each connected to a different column of cells 404, 1084, or 1104.Networks 1136, 1140, 1142, and 1146 and parts of networks 1138 and 1144are shown in dashed line in FIG. 89 because only the remaining parts ofnetworks 1138 and 1144 are used in the example of FIG. 89 in whichobject 104 impacts zone 892.

Controller 1134 may operate as a duration controller similar tocontroller 652 or as an intelligent controller similar to controller752. As a duration controller, controller 1134 responds to instruction608 for adjusting CC duration Δt_(dr) after object 104 suitably impactsSF zone 112, 892, or 912. Also see FIGS. 38 b, 59 b, 79 b, and 87 b. Forimpact on zone 112, networks 1136 and 1142 respectively embody network654 carrying the PP cellular LI impact signals from CM cells 404 andnetwork 656 carrying the PP cellular CC duration signals to CM cells 404if instruction 608 is provided. After each CM cell 404 starts totemporarily appear as color X, each CM cell 404 continues to appear ascolor X in accordance with instruction 608.

For impact on SF zone 892 or 912, each cell 1084 or 1104 meeting the ADor FR cellular TH impact criteria in response to the impact temporarilybecomes a CM cell. The ISCC part of each CM cell 1084 or 1104 providesan AD or FR cellular LI impact signal, transmitted via network 1138 or1140 to controller 1134, identifying that cell's location along zone 892or 912. If controller 1134 receives instruction 608, controller 1134responds to it and to the cellular LI impact signal of each CM cell 1084or 1104 by providing an AD or FR cellular CC duration signal,transmitted via network 1144 or 1146 to that cell's ISCC part, foradjusting that cell's CC duration Δt_(dr) subsequent to impact. Aftereach CM cell 1084 or 1104 starts to temporarily appear as color Y or Z,the ISCC part of each CM cell 1084 or 1104 responds to its cellular CCduration signal by causing it to continue appearing as color Y or Z inaccordance with instruction 608.

As an intelligent controller, controller 1134 provides a supplementalimpact assessment capability for determining whether an impact of object104 on SF zone 112, 892, or 912 meeting the PP, AD, or FR cellular THimpact criteria has certain supplemental impact characteristics and, ifso, for causing CM cells 404, 1084, or 1104 to temporarily appear ascolor X, Y, or Z. Also see FIGS. 38 b, 69 b, 79 b, and 87 b.Additionally, controller 1134 here responds to instruction 608 foradjusting CC duration Δt_(dr) in the preceding way. For impact on zone112, networks 1136 and 1142 respectively embody network 754 carrying thePP cellular CI impact signal for any cell 404 meeting the PP cellular THimpact criteria so as to be a TH CM cell and network 756 carrying the PPcellular CC initiation signal, provided here by controller 1134, forcausing each TH CM cell 404 to temporarily become a full CM cell andtemporarily appear as color X if the PP general supplemental impactinformation provided by the PP cellular CI impact signals of TH CM cells404 meet the PP supplemental impact criteria. Network 1142 embodiesnetwork 656 carrying the PP cellular CC duration signals for all full CMcells 404 if instruction 608 is provided.

For impact on SF zone 892 or 912, the ISCC part of each cell 1084 or1104 meeting the AD or FR cellular TH impact criteria responds to object104 impacting OC area 896 or 916 by providing an AD or FR cellular CIimpact signal, transmitted via network 1138 or 1140 to controller 1134,identifying certain cellular characteristics of the impact asexperienced at that cell 1084 or 1104. Each such cell 1084 or 1104temporarily becomes a TH CM cell. The cellular impact characteristicsfor each TH CM cell 1084 or 1104 consist of the location of its SF part1086 or 1106 in zone 892 or 912 and AD or FR cellular supplementalimpact information.

Controller 1134 responds to the AD or FR cellular CI impact signals bycombining the AD or FR cellular supplemental impact information of TH CMcells 1084 or 1104 to form the AD or FR general supplemental impactinformation and determines whether it meets the AD or FR supplementalimpact criteria. If so, each TH CM cell 1084 or 1104 temporarily becomesa full CM cell. For each full CM cell 1084 or 1104, controller 1134provides an AD or FR cellular CC initiation signal transmitted vianetwork 1144 or 1146 to that cell's ISCC part. Each full CM cell 1084 or1104 then temporarily appears as color Y or Z. The AD or FR expandedimpact criteria that must be met to cause a temporary color changeconsist of the AD or FR cellular TH impact criteria and the AD or FRsupplemental impact criteria. Color change occurs for suitable impactsof object 104 for which color changes is desired and substantiallyavoids occurring for impacts of bodies for which color change is notdesired. If controller 1134 receives instruction 608 and if the AD or FRsupplemental impact criteria are met, controller 1134 responds byproviding the AD or FR cellular CC duration signal, transmitted vianetwork 1144 or 1146, to the ISCC part of each full CM cell 1084 or 1104for adjusting its CC duration Δt_(dr) subsequent to impact. Controller1134 usually creates the PP, AD, or/and FR cellular CC initiationsignals by producing a general CC initiation signal and suitablysplitting it.

Simultaneous impact of object 104 on SF zones 892 and 112 or/and 912 ishandled in the preceding way except that controller 1134 responds to theAD and PP or/and FR cellular CI impact signals by combining the cellularsupplemental impact information of TH CM cells 1084 and 404 or/and 1104to form CP general supplemental impact information and determineswhether it meets the above-mentioned CP supplemental impact criteria. Ifso, each of TH CM cells 1084 and 404 or/and 1104 temporarily becomes afull CM cell. Controller 1134 provides the AD CC initiation signal foreach full CM cell 1084 and the PP cellular CC initiation signal for eachfull CM cell 404 or/and the FR cellular CC initiation signal for eachfull CM cell 1104. Each full CM cell 1084 temporarily appears as color Yand each full CM cell 404 temporarily appears as color X or/and eachfull CM cell 1104 temporarily appears as color Z. The CP expanded impactcriteria which must be met to cause a temporary color change consist ofthe CP supplemental impact criteria combined with the AD and PP or/andFR cellular TH impact criteria.

FIG. 90 illustrates an IP structure 1150 consisting of OI structure 900and an IG system 1152 for variously generating images of print areas118, 898, and 918 and selected adjoining SF area. Also see FIGS. 5b and79 b. Persons can utilize the images to examine where area 118, 898, or918 occurs in SF zone 112, 892, or 912, e.g., to determine how closelyarea 118, 898, or 918 comes to a selected part of the boundary of zone112, 892, or 912.

IG system 1152 consists of IG structure 804 for generating images and ageneral IG controller 1154 for controlling structure 804 to suitablygenerate PP, AD, FR, and CP PAV images. Image-collecting apparatus 808in structure 804 is deployed for collecting an image of any part of VCSF zone 112, 892, or 912 and usually an adjoining part of surface 102outside zone 112, 892, or 912. Networks 1156, 1158, and 1160 of COMpaths respectively extend from VC regions 106, 886, and 906 to generalIG controller 1154. COM networks 1156 and 1160 are shown in dashed linein FIG. 90 because only COM network 1158 is used in this example inwhich object 104 impacts zone 892.

Each PP, AD, or FR PAV image consists of an image of print area 118,898, or 918 and adjacent surface extending to at least a selectedlocation of surface 102. The selected SF location is usually a partialboundary of SF zone 112, 892, or 912, e.g., the edge of one ofinterfaces 110 and 884 along zone 112, the edge of one of interfaces 884and 904 along zone 892, or the edge of one of interfaces 904 and 910along zone 912. Each CP PAV image, generated for impact simultaneouslyon zones 892 and 112 or/and 912, consists of an image of areas 898 and118 or/and 918 along with adjacent surface of surface 102. Subject toarea 898 or 918 replacing area 118, each AD or FR PAV image has theabove-described characteristics of a PP PAV image. The same applies toeach CP PAV image subject to areas 898 and 118 or/and 918 replacing area118.

The ID ISCC segment of VC region 106, 886, or 906 again provides a PP,AD, or FR general LI impact signal in response to object 104 impactingOC area 116, 896, or 916 if the PP, AD, or FR basic TH impact criteriaare met. IG controller 1154 and IG structure 804 operate the same as IGcontroller 806 and structure 804 in responding to the PP general LIimpact signal transmitted via network 1156, largely network 814, tocontroller 1154. Hence, controller 1154 can usually be set to operate ineither the automatic or instruction mode of controller 806 for providingthe PP PA identification signal transmitted via path 816 to structure804 for causing it to generate a PP PAV image if a PP IG condition ismet. Responsive to the AD or FR general LI impact signal transmitted vianetwork 1158 or 1160, controller 1154 operating in either the automaticor instruction mode similarly provides an AD or FR PA identificationsignal identifying the location of print area 898 or 918 in SF zone 892or 912 provided that an AD or FR IG condition is met. Structure 804responds to the AD or FR PA identification signal transmitted via path816 by generating an AD or FR PAV image the same as structure 804generates a PP PAV image. The PP, AD, or FR IG condition consists ofprint area 118, 898, or 918 meeting the PP, AD, or FR distance conditionthat a point in area 118, 898, or 918 be less than or equal to aselected distance away from a selected location on surface 102 orcontroller 1154 receiving instruction 822.

Impact simultaneously on SF zones 892 and 112 or/and 912 is handled inthe preceding way except that the AD ID ISCC segment (928) provides theAD general LI impact signal in response to object 104 impacting OC area896 if the impact meets the CP basic TH impact criteria for the total VCarea where object 104 contacts zones 892 and 112 or/and 912. The PP IDISCC segment (142) provides the PP general LI impact signal if, besidesimpacting zone 892, object 104 impacts zone 112, and the FR ID ISCCsegment provides the FR general LI impact signal if object 104 alsoimpacts zone 912. Responsive to the AD and PP or/and FR general LIimpact signals, controller 1154 again operating in either the automaticor instruction mode provides a CP PA identification signal identifyingthe location of print areas 898 and 118 or/and 918 in zones 892 and 112or/and 912 provided that a CP IG condition is met. The CP IG conditionconsists of areas 898 and 118 or/and 918 meeting the distance conditionthat a point in areas 898 and 118 or/and 918 be less than or equal to aselected distance away from a selected location on surface 102 orcontroller 1154 receiving instruction 822. For the automatic mode, thedistance condition is often satisfied when area 898 adjoins area 118or/and area 918 as indicated by controller 1154 receiving the AD and PPor/and FR general LI impact signals. IG structure 804 responds to the CPPA identification signal transmitted via path 816 by generating a CP PAVimage the same as structure 804 generates a PP PAV image.

Controller 1154 may maintain an electronic map of SF zones 112, 892, and912, including the locations of the edges of interfaces 110, 884, 904,and 910 along surface 102 and each other part of the boundaries of zones112, 892, and 912. Responsive to the PP, AD, or FR general LI impactsignal, controller 1154 determines the expected location of print area118, 898, or 918 on the map and generates the data for a PP, AD, or FRPAV image if the PP, AD, or FR IG condition is met. The PP, AD, or FRPAV-image data includes the shape of the perimeter of area 118, 898, or918, the shape of the selected location on surface 102, and distancedata defining the lateral spatial relationship between the perimeter ofarea 118, 898, or 918 and the selected SF location.

If object 104 simultaneously impacts SF zones 892 and 112 or/and 912 soas to meet the CP basic TH impact criteria, controller 1154 responds tothe AD and PP or/and FR general LI impact signals by determining theexpected locations of print areas 898 and 118 or/and 918 on theelectronic map and generates the data for a CP PAV image if the CP IGcondition is met. The CP PAV-image data includes the shape of thecomposite perimeter of areas 898 and 118 or/and 918, the shape of theselected location on surface 102, and distance data defining the lateralspatial relationship between the composite perimeter of areas 898 and118 or/and 918 and the selected SF location. Controller 1154 providesthe PP, AD, FR, or CP PAV-image data directly, e.g., via path 820, toscreen 810 which responds by generating the PP, AD, FR, or CP PAV image.

FIG. 91 illustrates an IP structure 1170 consisting of OI structure 900,CC controller 1114, and IG system 1152 formed with IG structure 804 andIG controller 1154. Also see FIGS. 5 b, 79 b, and 88. Networks 1156,1158, and 1160 extending from VC regions 106, 886, and 906 to controller1154 may respectively partly overlap networks 1116, 1118, and 1120respectively extending from regions 106, 886, and 906 to CC controller1114. Networks 1122, 1124, and 1126 again extend from CC controller 1114respectively back to regions 106, 886, and 906. OI structure 900 andcontroller 1114 here operate the same as in IP structure 1110. OIstructure 900, IG structure 804, and IG controller 1154 here operate thesame as in IP structure 1150 except as described below.

CC controller 1114 can again be a duration controller, similar tocontroller 602, for adjusting CC duration Δt_(dr) subsequent to impact.Alternatively, controller 1114 can be intelligent controller, similar tocontroller 702, for providing the supplemental impact assessmentcapability to determine whether an impact meeting the PP, AD, or FRbasic TH impact criteria has certain supplemental impact characteristicsand, if so, for causing the IDVC portion in VC region 106, 886, or 906to temporarily appear as color X, Y, or Z.

IG controller 1154 can operate in various ways when it is an intelligentcontroller. If a PAV image is desired regardless of whether the PP, AD,or FR general supplemental impact criteria are, or are not, met,controller 1154 supplies the PP, AD, or FR PA identification signal inresponse to the location expected for print area 118, 898, or 918provided in the PP, AD, or FR general CI impact signal. A PP, AD, or FRPAV image is generated whenever the PP, AD, or FR basic TH impactcriteria are met. Controller 1154 preferably provides the PP, AD, or FRPA identification signal in response to the PP, AD, or FR general CCinitiation signal supplied from controller 1114 via a COM path 1172. Inthat case, a PAV image is generated only when the PP, AD, or FRsupplemental impact criteria are met. Impact simultaneously on SF zones892 and 112 or/and 912 for both ways of operating controller 1154 ishandled the same as just described except that the processing of thePA-location identifying information in the AD and PP or/and FR generalCI impact signals is modified as described above in regard to IPstructure 1150 for processing the AD and PP or/and FR general LI impactsignals for impact simultaneously on zones 892 and 112 or/and 912.

FIG. 92 illustrates an IP structure 1180 consisting of OI structure 1100and an IG system 1182 for generating images of print areas 118, 898, and918 and selected adjoining SF area. Also see FIGS. 38 b, 79 b, 87 b, and89. SF parts 406, 1086, and 1106 of cells 404, 1084, and 1104 againappear as rectangles, specifically squares. Persons can again utilizethe images to examine where area 118, 898, or 918 occurs in SF zone 112,892, or 912, e.g., to determine how closely area 118, 898, or 918 comesto a selected part of the boundary of zone 112, 892, or 912.

IG system 1182 consists of IG structure 804 for generating images and acell IG controller 1184 for controlling structure 804 to suitablygenerate PP, AD, FR, and CP PAV images having the above-describedcharacteristics. Image-collecting apparatus 808 in structure 804 isagain used for collecting an image of any part of SF zone 112, 892, or912 and usually an adjoining part of surface 102 outside zones 112, 892,and 912. Networks 1186, 1188, and 1190 of COM paths respectively extendfrom VC regions 106, 886, and 906 to cell IG controller 1184. Each COMnetwork 1186, 1188, or 1190 usually includes a set of row COM paths,each connected to a different row of cells 404, 1084, or 1104, and a setof column COM paths, each connected to a different column of cells 404,1084, or 1104. Networks 1186 and 1190 and part of network 1188 are shownin dashed line in FIG. 92 because only the remainder of network 1188 isused in this example in which object 104 impacts zone 892.

The ISCC part of each CM cell 404, 1084, or 1104 again provides a PP,AD, or FR cellular LI impact signal in response to object 104 impactingOC area 116, 896, or 916. IG controller 1184 and IG structure 804operate the same as IG controller 846 and structure 804 in responding tothe PP cellular LI impact signals transmitted from CM cells 404 vianetwork 1186, largely network 848, to controller 1184. Controller 1184can usually be set to operate in either the automatic or instructionmode of controller 846, and thus of controller 806, for providing the PPPA identification signal transmitted via path 816 to structure 804 forcausing it to generate a PP PAV image. Responsive to the AD or FRgeneral LI impact signal transmitted via network 1188 or 1190,controller 1184 operating in either the automatic or instruction modesimilarly provides an AD or FR PA identification signal identifying thelocation of print area 898 or 918 in SF zone 892 or 912 provided that anAD or FR IG condition is met. Structure 804 again responds to the AD orFR PA identification signal transmitted via path 816 by generating an ADor FR PAV image the same as structure 804 generates a PP PAV image. ThePP, AD, or FR IG condition consists of print area 118, 898, or 918meeting the above-described PP, AD, or FR distance condition orcontroller 1184 receiving instruction 822.

If object 104 simultaneously impacts SF zones 892 and 112 or/and 912,the ISCC part of each cell 404, 1084, or 1104 meeting the PP, AD, or FRcellular TH impact criteria provides a PP, AD, or FR cellular LI impactsignal in response to the impact and temporarily becomes a CM cell.Responsive to the AD and PP or/and FR cellular LI impact signals,controller 1184 provides a CP PA identification signal identifying thelocation of print areas 898 and 118 or/and 918 in zones 892 and 112or/and 912 provided that the above-described CP IG condition is met. IGstructure 804 again responds to the CP PA identification signaltransmitted via path 816 by generating a CP PAV image the same asstructure 804 generates a PP PAV image.

An electronic map of SF zones 112, 892, and 912, including the locationsof the SF edges of interfaces 110, 884, 904, and 910 and each other partof the boundaries of zones 112, 892, and 912, may be maintained incontroller 1184. If so, controller 1184 can generate the data for a PP,AD, FR, or CP PAV image the same as controller 1154 uses such a map togenerate the data for a PP, AD, FR, or CP PAV image. The PP, AD, FR, orCP PAV-image data is then supplied from controller 1184 directly, e.g.,via path 820, to screen 810 which displays the PP, AD, FR, or CP PAVimage. The cell arrangement of VC regions 106, 886, and 906 in OIstructure 1100 facilitates generation of the map because SF part 406,1086, or 1106 of each cell 404, 1084, or 1104 is at a differentspecified location on the map.

FIG. 93 illustrates an IP structure 1200 consisting of OI structure1100, CC controller 1134, and IG system 1182 formed with IG structure804 and IG controller 1184. Also see FIGS. 38 b, 79 b, and 87 b. Cell SFparts 406, 1086, and 1106 again appear as rectangles, specificallysquares. Networks 1186, 1188, and 1190 extending from VC regions 106,886, and 906 to IG controller 1184 may respectively partly overlapnetworks 1136, 1138, and 1140 respectively extending from regions 106,886, and 906 to CC controller 1134. Networks 1142, 1144, and 1146 againextend from controller 1134 respectively back to regions 106, 886, and906. Structure 1100 and controller 1134 here operate the same as in IPstructure 1130. Structure 1100, IG structure 804, and IG controller 1184here operate the same as in IP structure 1180.

CC controller 1134 can again be a duration controller, similar tocontroller 652, for adjusting CC duration Δt_(dr) subsequent to impact.Controller 1134 can alternatively be an intelligent controller, similarto controller 752, for providing the supplemental impact assessmentcapability to determine whether an impact meeting the PP, AD, or FRcellular TH impact criteria has certain supplemental impactcharacteristics and, if so, for causing for causing CM cells 404, 1084,or 1104 to temporarily appear as color X, Y, or Z.

IG controller 1184 can operate in various ways when controller 1134 isan intelligent controller. If a PAV image is desired regardless ofwhether the PP, AD, or FR general supplemental impact criteria are, orare not, met, IG controller 1184 supplies the PP, AD, or FR PAidentification signal in response to the expected location for printarea 118, 898, or 918 provided in the PP, AD, or FR cellular CI impactsignals. A PP, AD, or FR PAV image is generated whenever the PP, AD, orFR cellular TH impact criteria are met. IG Controller 1184 usuallyprovides the PP, AD, or FR PA identification signal in response to thePP, AD, or FR cellular CC initiation signal supplied from controller1134 via a COM path 1202. A PAV image is generated only when the PP, AD,or FR supplemental impact criteria are met. Impact simultaneously on SFzones 892 and 112 or/and 912 for both ways of operating controller 1184is handled the same as just described except that the processing of thePA-location identifying information in the AD and PP or/and FR cellularCI impact signals is modified as described above in regard to IPstructure 1180 for processing the AD and PP or/and FR cellular LI impactsignals for impact simultaneously on zones 892 and 112 or/and 912.

IG controller 1154 or 1184 may provide a screen activation/deactivationsignal, transmitted via path 820, to screen 810 for activating ordeactivating it. Responsive to instruction 824, controller 1154 or 1184may provide a magnify/shrink signal the same as controller 806 or 846.IG structure 804 here responds to the magnify/shrink signal the same asit responds to magnify/shrink signal provided by controller 806 or 846.

Controller 1154 or 1184 preferably includes an image analyzer foranalyzing each PAV image to determine whether it is a PP, AD, or FR PAVimage or a CP PAV image and for providing an indication of the analysis.The analysis indication may be presented on screen 810, e.g., as a partof the PAV image at a location spaced apart from the image print area ofeach print area 118, 898, or 918 appearing in the PAV image.

The PP, AD, or FR supplemental impact criteria sometimes require thatprint area 118, 898, or 918 be entirely inside SF zone 112, 892, or 912.This is typically expressed by the physical requirement that area 118 bespaced apart from the SF edges of interfaces 110 and 884 and each otherpart of the boundary of zone 112, that area 898 be spaced apart from theSF edges of interfaces 884 and 904 and each other part of the boundaryof zone 892, or that area 918 be spaced apart from the SF edges ofinterfaces 904 and 910 and each other part of the boundary of zone 912.For this purpose, CC controller 1114 or 1134, often termed controller1114/1134, may maintain an electronic map of zones 112, 892, and 912,including the locations of the SF edges of interfaces 110, 884, 904, and910 and each other part of the boundaries of zones 112, 892, and 912.The PP, AD, or FR general supplemental impact information includes thelocation of OC area 116, 896, or 916 on the map. Controller 1114/1134determines the expected location of area 118, 898, or 918 from theOC-area location and examines the map to determine whether area 118,898, or 918 is entirely inside zone 112, 892, or 912.

Image-collecting apparatus 808 in IP structures 1150, 1170, 1180, and1200 optionally functions as an OT control apparatus which opticallytracks the movement of object 104 over surface 102 and which can be usedin largely the ways described above for IP structures 800, 830, 840, and850 to cause color change for impacts of object 104 for which colorchange is desired and to substantially avoid causing color change forimpacts of bodies for which color change is not desired. Path 826A isreplaced with a trio of COM paths (not shown) respectively extendingfrom OT control apparatus 808 to VC regions 106, 886, and 906,specifically their PP, AD, and FR ISCC structures (132, 922, and 924),in OI structure 900 or 1100. The three COM paths replacing path 826A instructure 1100 split into three groups of individual COM paths (notshown) respectively extending to all cells 404, 1084, and 1104,specifically their ISCC parts.

In a first expanded OT technique, OT control apparatus 808 interactswith VC region 106, 886, or 906 for impact solely on SF zone 112, 892,or 912 basically the same as apparatus 808 interacts with region 106 forimpact on zone 112 in the first basic OT technique. Regions 106, 886,and 906 are capable of being enabled to be capable of changing color atlocations dependent on the object tracking and are normally disabledfrom being capable of changing color so as to normally respectivelyappear as PP color A, AD color B, and FR color C. The PP, AD, and FRISCC structures (132, 922, and 924) provide the enablable/disablable CCcapability.

OT control apparatus 808 estimates where object 104 is expected toimpact surface 102 according to the tracked movement of object 104 andprovides a PP, AD, or FR general CC enable signal shortly prior to theimpact if the tracking indicates that object 104 is expected to contactsurface 102 at least partly in SF zone 112, 892, or 912. If object 104is expected to contact zone 112, the PP general CC enable signal,transmitted by a replacement for path 826A to VC region 106 specificallythe PP ISCC structure, at least partly identifies ID estimated OC area116 ^(#) (shown in FIGS. 74 and 75 but not in FIGS. 90-93). If object104 is expected to contact zone 892 or 912, the AD or FR general CCenable signal, also transmitted by a replacement for path 826A to VCregion 886 or 906 specifically the AD or FR ISCC structure, at leastpartly identifies ID estimated OC area (not shown in FIGS. 90-93)spanning where object 104 is expected to contact zone 892 or 912.Analogous to estimated area 116 ^(#), the estimated OC area for contactwith zone 892 or 912 is usually of roughly the same physical area asactual OC area 896 or 916 even though the estimated and actual OC areas(turn out to) differ in location along zone 892 or 912.

An ID laterally oversize portion of VC region 106, 886, or 906 isenabled to be capable of changing color in response to the PP, AD, or FRCC enable signal. The oversize portion of region 106 extends to oversizearea 828 (shown in FIGS. 74 and 75 but not in FIGS. 90-93) of SF zone112. The oversize portion of region 886 or 906 extends to an ID oversizearea (not shown in FIGS. 90-93) of SF zone 892 or 912. When region 106,886, or 906 includes structure besides the PP, AD, or FR ISCC structure,the PP, AD, or FR ISCC structure causes the oversize portion of region106, 886, or 906 to be enabled to be capable of changing color.Analogous to oversize area 828, the oversize area of zone 892 or 912encompasses and extends beyond the estimated OC area of zone 892 or 912as well as usually being roughly concentric with its estimated OC area.Analogous to what occurs with oversize area 828, OT control apparatus808 and region 886 or 906, specifically the AD or FR ISCC structure,operate so that the oversize area of zone 892 or 912 virtually alwaysfully encompasses actual OC area 896 or 916.

The PP IDVC portion (138), which is included in the oversize portion ofVC region 106, responds to object 104 impacting oversize area 828 atactual OC area 116 by temporarily appearing as changed color X if theimpact meets the PP basic TH impact criteria. The AD IDVC portion (926)or FR IDVC portion, which is included in the oversize portion of VCregion 886 or 906, responds to object 104 impacting the oversize area ofSF zone 892 or 912 at actual OC area 896 or 916 by temporarily appearingas altered color Y or modified color Z if the impact meets the AD or FRbasic TH impact criteria. When region 106, 886, or 906 includesstructure besides the PP, AD, or FR ISCC structure, the PP ID ISCCsegment (142), AD ID ISCC segment (928), or FR ID ISCC segment causesthe PP, AD, or FR IDVC portion to temporarily appear as color X, Y, orZ. The AD and FR IDVC portions usually have approximately the sameanticipation time period Δt_(ant) and enable-end time period Δt_(end) asthe PP IDVC portion.

Simultaneous impact on SF zones 892 and 112 or/and 912 in IP structures1150 and 1170 is preferably handled in the preferred way described abovefor FIG. 79. That is, the AD IDVC portion temporarily appears as color Yif the impact meets the CP basic TH impact criteria for the total OCarea 896 and 116 or/and 916 where object 104 impacts zones 892 and 112or/and 912. The PP IDVC portion temporarily appears as color X if,besides impacting zone 892, object 104 impacts zone 112, and the FR IDVCportion temporarily appears as color Z if object 104 also impacts zone912. When VC region 106, 886, or 906 includes structure besides the PP,AD, or FR ISCC structure, the AD ISCC segment causes the AD IDVC portionto temporarily appear as color Y. The PP or FR ID ISCC segment causesthe PP or FR IDVC portion to temporarily appear as color X or Z ifobject 104 impacts zone 112 or 912.

Cells 404, 1084, and 1104 in IP structures 1180 and 1200 areenablable/disablable cells normally disabled from being capable ofchanging color. The oversize portion of VC region 106, 886, or 906 isconstituted with an ID group of cells 404, 1084, or 1104 termed the PP,AD, or FR oversize cell group. Analogous to oversize area 828, theoversize area of SF zone 892 or 912 consists of SF parts 1086 or 1106 ofcells 1084 or 1104 in the AD or FR oversize cell group. Responsive tothe PP, AD, or FR CC enable signal transmitted along a replacement forpath 826A, each cell 404, 1084, or 1104 in the PP, AD, or FR oversizecell group is enabled to be capable of changing color. When region 106,886, or 906 includes structure besides the PP, AD, or FR ISCC structure,the ISCC part of each cell 404, 1084, or 1104 in the PP, AD, or FRoversize cell group causes that cell 404, 1084, or 1104 to be enabled tobe capable of changing color. Each so-enabled cell 404, 1084, or 1104temporarily appears as color X, Y, or Z if the impact of object 404 onSF zone 112, 892, or 912 causes that cell 404, 1084, or 1104 to meet thePP, AD, or FR cellular TH impact criteria and temporarily become a CMcell. When region 106, 886, or 906 contains structure besides the PP,AD, or FR ISCC structure, the ISCC part of each CM cell 404, 1084, or1104 causes it to temporarily appear as color X, Y, or Z.

In a second expanded OT technique, OT control apparatus 808 interactswith VC region 106, 886, or 906 for impact solely on SF zone 112, 892,or 912 basically the same as apparatus 808 interacts with region 106 forimpact on zone 112 in the second basic OT technique. Apparatus 808provides a PP, AD, or FR general impact tracking signal during at leastpart of tracking contact time period Δt_(cont) extending substantiallyfrom when object 104 impacts zone 112, 892, or 912 to when object 104leaves zone 112, 892, or 912 according to the tracking. The PP, AD, orFR general impact tracking signal, which indicates that object 104impacted zone 112, 892, or 912, is transmitted via a replacement forpath 826A to the PP IDVC portion (138), AD IDVC portion (926), or FRIDVC portion, specifically the PP ID ISCC segment (142), AD ID ISCCsegment (928), or FR ID ISCC segment. The PP, AD, or FR IDVC portionresponds to largely joint occurrence of the PP, AD, or FR trackingsignal and the impact by temporarily appearing as color X, Y, or Z ifthe impact meets the PP, AD, or FR basic TH impact criteria. When region106 contains structure besides the PP, AD, or FR ISCC structure (132,922, or 924), the PP, AD, or FR ISCC segment causes the PP, AD, or FRIVDC portion to temporarily appear as color X, Y, or Z.

Simultaneous impact on SF zones 892 and 112 or/and 912 in IP structures1150 and 1170 is preferably handled by having the AD IDVC portionrespond to largely joint occurrence of the AD general impact trackingsignal and the impact by temporarily appearing as color Y if the impactmeets the CP basic TH impact criteria for the total OC area 896 and 116or/and 916 where object 104 impacts zones 892 and 112 or/and 912. The PPIDVC portion temporarily appears as color X if, besides impacting zone892, object 104 impacts zone 112 while the FR IDVC portion temporarilyappears as color Z if object 104 also impacts zone 912. When VC region106, 886, or 906 contains structure besides the PP, AD, or FR ISCCstructure, the AD ID ISCC segment causes the AD IDVC portion totemporarily appear as color Y. The PP or FR ID ISCC segment causes thePP or FR IDVC portion to temporarily appear as color X or Z for impacton zone 112 or 912.

For IP structures 1180 and 1200, the PP, FR, or AD IDVC portion consistsof a PP, AD, or FR ID group of cells 404, 1084, or 1104. Each cell 404,1084, or 1104 in the PP, AD, or FR ID cell group responds to largelyjoint occurrence of the PP, AD, or FR general impact tracking signal,transmitted along a replacement for path 826A, and object 104 impactingSF zone 112, 892, or 912 by temporarily appearing as color X, Y, or Z ifthe impact causes that cell 404, 1084, or 1104 to meet the PP, AD, or FRcellular TH impact criteria. When VC region 106, 886, or 906 includesstructure besides the PP, AD, or FR ISCC structure, the ISCC part ofeach cell 404, 1084, or 1104 in the PP, AD, or FR ID cell group causesthat cell 404, 1084, or 1104 to temporarily appear as color X, Y, or Z.

In a third expanded OT technique, OT control apparatus 808 interactswith VC region 106, 886, or 906 for impact solely on SF zone 112, 892,or 912 basically the same as apparatus 808 interacts with region 106 forimpact on zone 112 in the third basic OT technique. In particular, path826B is replaced with a trio of COM paths (not shown) respectivelyextending from regions 106, 886, and 906, specifically the PP, AD, andFR ISCC structures (132, 922, and 924), in OI structure 900 or 1100 toapparatus 808. The three COM paths replacing path 826B in structure 1100respectively consist of three groups of individual COM paths (not shownin FIGS. 92 and 93) respectively extending from all cells 404, 1084, and1104, specifically their ISCC parts, to apparatus 808.

The PP IDVC portion (138), AD IDVC portion (926), or FR IDVC portionresponds to object 104 impacting SF zone 112, 892, or 912 at OC area116, 896, or 916 by providing a PP, AD, or FR general LI impact signalif the impact meets the PP, AD, or FR basic TH impact criteria. The PP,AD, or FR general LI impact signal, transmitted via a replacement forpath 826B to OT control apparatus 808, identifies an expected locationof print area 118, 898, or 918 in zone 112, 892, or 912. When VC region106, 886, or 906 includes structure besides the PP, AD, or FR ISCCstructure (132, 922, or 924), the PP ID ISCC segment (142), AD ID ISCCsegment (928), or FR ID ISCC segment provides the PP, AD, or FR LIimpact signal. Apparatus 808 estimates where object 104 contactedsurface 102 in zone 112, 892, or 912 according to the tracking andprovides a PP, AD, or FR general estimation impact signal indicative ofthe estimated PP, AD, or FR OC area spanning where object 104 is soestimated to have contacted surface 102 provided that the estimate ofthat contact is at least partly in zone 112, 892, or 912. Apparatus 808then compares the PP, AD, or FR general LI impact signal to the PP, AD,or FR general estimation impact signal. If the comparison indicates thatarea 118, 898, and 918 and the PP, AD, or FR estimated OC area at leastpartly overlap, apparatus 808 provides a PP, AD, or FR general CCinitiation signal to the PP, AD, or FR IDVC portion, specifically thePP, AD, or FR ISCC segment, via a replacement for path 826A. The PP, AD,or FR IDVC portion responds to the PP, AD, or FR CC initiation signal bytemporarily appearing as color X, Y, or Z. When region 106, 886, or 906contains structure besides the PP, AD, or FR ISCC structure, the PP, AD,or FR segment causes the PP, AD, or FR IDVC portion to temporarilyappear as color X, Y, or Z.

Simultaneous impact on SF zones 892 and 112 or/and 912 in IP structures1150 and 1170 is preferably handled by having the AD IDVC portion,specifically the AD ID ISCC segment (928), respond to object 104impacting zones 892 and 112 or/and 912 at OC areas 896 and 116 or/and916 by providing an AD general LI impact signal if the impact meets theCP basic TH impact criteria for the total area 896 and 116 or/and 916where object 104 impacts zones 892 and 112 or/and 912. The PP IDVCportion, specifically the PP ID ISCC segment (142), provides a PPgeneral LI impact signal if, besides impacting zone 892, object 104impacts zone 112, and the FR IDVC portion, specifically the FR ID ISCCsegment, provides an FR general LI impact signal if object 104 alsoimpacts zone 912. OT control apparatus 808 then interacts with the PP,AD, and FR IDVC portions the same as it interacts with each PP, AD, orFR IDVC portion for object 104 solely impacting zone 112, 892, or 912.

For IP structures 1180 and 1200, each of multiple cells 404, 1084, or1104 for which the impact of object 104 on that cell's SF part 406,1086, or 1106 meets the PP, AD, or FR cellular TH impact criteriabecomes part of a first ID group of cells 404, 1084, or 1104 termed thePP, AD, or FR ID expected PA cell group. Cells 404, 1084, or 1104 in thePP, AD, or FR ID expected cell group are PP, AD, or FR TH CM cells. Eachcell 404, 1084, or 1104, specifically its ISCC part when VC region 106,886, or 906 contains structure besides the PP, AD, or FR ISCC structure,in the PP, AD, or FR expected cell group provides a PP, AD, or FRcellular LI impact signal identifying that cell's location in SF zone112, 892, or 912. The PP, AD, or FR cellular LI impact signal of eachcell 404, 1084, or 1104 in the PP, AD, or FR expected PA cell group isprovided along a corresponding one of a replacement for path 826B to OTcontrol apparatus 808. SF parts 406,1086, or 1106 of cells 404, 1084, or1104 in the PP, AD, or FR expected PA cell group form the area expectedfor print area 118, 898, or 918. The PP, AD, or FR cellular LI impactsignals of all cells 404, 1084, or 1104 in the PP, AD, or FR expected PAcell group together form the PP, AD, or FR general LI impact signal.

OT control apparatus 808 estimates where object 104 contacted surface102 according to the tracked movement of object 104 and provides the PP,AD, or FR general estimation impact signal to determine the estimatedPP, AD, or FR OC area here consisting of SF parts 406, 1086, or 1106 ofa second ID group of cells 404, 1084, or 1104 termed the PP, AD, or FRestimated-area cell group. For determining whether the estimated PP, AD,or FR OC area at least partly overlaps print area 118, 898, or 918,apparatus 808 determines whether any cell 404, 1084, or 1104 is in boththe PP, AD, or FR estimated-area cell group and the PP, AD, or FRexpected PA cell group. If so, apparatus 808 provides the PP, AD, or FRgeneral CC initiation signal. Each cell 404, 1084, or 1104 in the PP,AD, or FR expected PA cell group responds to the PP, AD, or FR CCinitiation signal, transmitted along a replacement for a path 826A, bytemporarily appearing as color X, Y, or Z. When VC region 106, 886, or906 includes structure besides the PP, AD, or FR ISCC structure, theISCC part of each cell 404, 1084, or 1104 in the PP, AD, or FR expectedPA cell group causes that cell 404, 1084, or 1104 to temporarily appearas color X, Y, or Z.

CC controller 1114 or 1134 alternatively performs all or part of thedata processing performed by image-collecting apparatus 808 for IPstructure 1170 or 1200 in the three expanded OT techniques essentiallythe same as CC controller 832 or 852 alternatively performs all or partthe data processing performed by apparatus 808 for IP structure 830 or850 in the three basic OT techniques. Controller 1114/1134 or thecombination of controller 1114/1134 and apparatus 808 then functions asan OT control apparatus. Importantly, the three expanded OT techniquesenable IP structures 1150, 1170, 1180, and 1200 to distinguish betweenimpacts of object 104 for which color change is desired and impacts ofbodies for which color change is not desired essentially the same as inthe three basic OT techniques.

Curve Smoothening

The boundaries of SF zones 112, 892, and 912 may be somewhat rough dueto SF irregularities and other deviations from ideality. SF boundaryportions ideally straight may be significantly crooked. The perimetersof print areas 118, 898, and 918 may likewise be somewhat rough due toirregularities in the shape of object 104 and irregularities along zones112, 892, and 912. The SF-boundary/PA-perimeter roughness can createdifficulty in determining whether area 118, 898, or 918 meets a boundaryof zone 112, 892, or 912, especially if area 118, 898, or 918 is closeto, e.g., less than 1 or 2 cm from, that boundary.

The SF-boundary/PA-perimeter roughness situation is illustrated in FIGS.94a-94d which present four examples of the boundaries of SF zones 112,892, and 912 and the perimeters of print areas 118, 898, and 918 forsingle impacts. In FIG. 94 a, area 898 having a perimeter 1210 is nearthe illustrated portion 1212 of the boundary, formed by an edge ofinterface 884, between zones 112 and 892. PA perimeter 1210, ideallysmoothly curved, and boundary portion 1212, ideally straight, areirregular. Area 898 is seemingly far enough away from portion 1212 thatarea 898 does not meet portion 1212. In FIG. 94 b, area 898 is likewisenear the illustrated portion 1214 of the boundary, formed by an edge ofinterface 884, between zones 112 and 892. Boundary portion 1214, ideallytwo straight lines meeting at a corner, is irregular. Area 898 is soclose to portion 1214 that area 118 having a perimeter 1216, alsoirregular, may be present in zone 112 as an extension of area 898.

Turning to FIG. 94 c, print area 918 having a perimeter 1218 is near theillustrated portion 1220 of the boundary, formed by an edge of interface904, between SF zones 892 and 912. PA perimeter 1218 and boundaryportion 1220, ideally smoothly curved, are irregular. It is unclearwhether area 918 meets portion 1220 so that area 918 has extension 898in zone 892. In FIG. 94 d, print area 118 having a perimeter 1222 isnear the illustrated portion 1224 of the boundary, formed by an edge ofinterface 110, between SF zones 112 and 114. PA perimeter 1222 andboundary portion 1224, respectively ideally straight and smoothly curvedlines meeting at a corner, are irregular. It is unclear whether area 118meets portion 1224.

Considerable clarity as to whether print area 118, 898, or 918 meets aboundary of SF zone 112, 892, or 912, especially when PA perimeter 1210,1218, or 1222 is irregular or/and the boundary is irregular near area118, 898, or 918, is achieved by providing an IP structure employingthree-VC-region OI structure 900 or 1100, including any of itsembodiments, with an approximation capability in which the perimeters ofareas 118, 898, and 918 and adjacent portions of the boundaries of zones112, 892, and 912 are approximated as smooth curves. Examples of thesmooth-curve approximations are illustrated in FIGS. 95a-95drespectively corresponding to FIGS. 94a -94 d. Each item identified inFIG. 95a-95c or 95 d with a reference symbol consisting of a numberfollowed by an asterisk is an approximation to an item identified by areference symbol formed with the same number in corresponding FIG.94a-94c or 94 d.

The approximation capability, usually incorporated into IG controller1154 or 1184 and performed with averaging software, entails firstdetermining portion 1212, 1214, 1220, or 1224 of the boundary whereprint area 118, 898, or 918 is nearest the boundary. At least thatboundary portion 1212, 1214, 1220, or 1224 is approximated as a smoothboundary vicinity curve 1212*, 1214*, 1220*, or 1224* potentially havingone or more sharp corners (as occurs in FIG. 95b or 95 d). PA perimeter1210, 1218, or 1222, or a portion nearest the boundary, is similarlyapproximated as a smooth perimeter vicinity curve 1210*, 1218*, or1222*. Each pair of boundary and perimeter vicinity curves are comparedto determine if they meet or overlap. An indication of the comparison isprovided as output information.

The comparison indication preferably includes having the apparatus,e.g., controller 1154 or 1184, performing the comparison provide screen810 with the data for a curve-approximation image containing the twovicinity curves. Screen 810 then presents the curve-approximation imagetypically as a direct replacement for the PAV image. That is, thecurve-approximation image typically appears in the same location onscreen 810 as the PAV image which disappears when thecurve-approximation image appears. Alternatively, screen 810simultaneously presents both the curve-approximation image and the PAVimage at screen locations close to each other so that observers canvisually compare the images.

The comparison indication, including the curve-approximation image, forboth the image-replacement situation and the simultaneous-imagesituation can be made available whenever a PAV image is automaticallygenerated or whenever a PAV image is generated in response toinstruction 822. Inasmuch as a PAV image is automatically generated whenthe unsmoothened version of print area 118, 898, or 918 meets thedistance condition that a point in area 118, 898, or 918 be less than orequal to a selected distance away from a selected location on surface102 provided that the PP, AD. or FR basic TH impact criteria are met,area 118, 898, or 918 in the curve-approximation image may not meet thisdistance condition due to the image smoothening. The same applies toareas 898 and 118 or/and 918 if object 104 simultaneously impacts SFzones 892 and 112 or 912 sufficient to meet the CP basic TH impactcriteria.

Each of FIGS. 95a-95d is exemplary of the curve-approximation image.FIG. 95a confirms that print area 898 does not meet boundary portion1212 in the illustrated example. FIGS. 95b and 95d indicate that printareas 898 and 118 reasonably respectively meet boundary portions 1214and 1224 in those examples. FIG. 95c indicates that print area 918 doesnot meet boundary portion 1220 in that example.

Controller 1154 or 1184 provides the approximation capability inresponse to the PP, AD, or/and FR general or cellular LI impact signals.The approximation capability can be provided for single-VC-region OIstructure 100 or 400, including any of its embodiments, subject tolimiting the scope to VC SF zone 112 and adjoining surface such as thatof FC SF zone 114. The capability is then usually incorporated intocontroller 806 or 846 responding to the PP general or cellular LI impactsignal. The approximation capability can be provided fordouble-VC-region OI structure 880 or 1080 subject to limiting the scopeto VC SF zones 112 and 892 and adjoining surface such as that of FC SFzones 114 and 894. If so, the capability is incorporated into an IGcontroller similar to controller 1154 or 1184 but only responding to thePP or/and AD general or cellular LI impact signals for providing controldirected to structure 880 or 1080.

Color Change Dependent on Location in Variable-Color Region of SingleNormal Color

IP structure 700, 750, 830, or 850 can provide a capability for the IDVCportion (138) of VC region 106 to appear as a selected one of multiplechanged colors dependent on the location of print area 118 in SF zone112. The IDVC portion, specifically the ID ISCC segment (142), in arudimentary general embodiment of structure 700 having thislocation-dependent CC capability responds to object 104 impacting OCarea 116 by providing a principal general LI impact signal, instead of aCI impact signal, if the impact meets the principal basic TH impactcriteria. The general LI impact signal again identifies an expectedlocation of area 118 in zone 112. Area 118 meets (or satisfies) one of pmutually exclusive location criteria LJ₁, LJ₂, . . . LJ_(p) for thelocation of area 118 in zone 112, p being an integer greater than 1.Location criteria LJ₁-LJ_(m) encompass all of zone 112 and respectivelycorrespond to p specific changed colors XJ₁, XJ₂, . . . XJ_(p) whichembody changed color X and which all materially differ from principalcolor A. More than one, usually all, of specific changed colorsXJ₁-XJ_(p) differ.

Intelligent controller 702 responds to the general LI impact signal bydetermining which location criterion LJ_(i) is satisfied by print area118 and then providing a principal general CC initiation signal at acondition corresponding to that location criterion LJ_(i) where i hereis an integer varying from 1 to p. The IDVC portion (138) responds tothe initiation signal by temporarily appearing along area 118 asspecific changed color XJ_(i) for that location criterion LJ_(i). WhenVC region 106 contains structure besides the ISCC structure (132), theID ISCC segment (142) specifically causes the IDVC portion totemporarily appear as color XJ_(i). Since SF zone 112 normally appearsas color A, the location-dependent CC capability enables area 118 toappear as one of two or more changed colors XJ₁-XJ_(p) depending onwhere object 104 impacts zone 112.

The IDVC portion (138), specifically the ID ISCC segment (142), in anadvanced general embodiment of IP structure 700 having thelocation-dependent CC capability responds to object 104 impacting OCarea 116 by providing a principal general CI impact signal if the impactmeets the principal basic TH impact criteria. The general CI impactsignal identifies principal general impact characteristics consisting ofthe location expected for print area 118 in SF zone 112 and principalgeneral supplemental impact information, described above, for theimpact. Responsive to the impact signal, controller 702 determineswhether the general supplemental impact information meets the principalsupplemental impact criteria and, if so, determines which locationcriterion LJ_(i) is met by area 118 and provides a principal general CCinitiation signal at a condition corresponding to that locationcriterion LJ_(i). The IDVC portion responds to the initiation signal, ifprovided, by temporarily appearing as specific changed color XJ_(i) forthat location criterion LJ_(i). When VC region 106 includes structurebesides the ISCC structure (132), the ISCC segment specifically causesthe IDVC portion to temporarily appear as color XJ_(i). The combinationof the location-dependent CC capability and the supplemental assessmentcapability achieved with the supplemental impact criteria enablescontroller 702 to distinguish between impacts of object 104 for whichcolor change is desired and impacts of other bodies for which colorchange is not desired and thereby to cause color change only at area 118as one of two or more changed colors XJ₁-XJ_(p) depending on whereobject 104 impacted zone 112.

The location-dependent CC capability is the same in IP structure 830with CC controller 832 implemented as an intelligent controllerfunctioning the same as controller 702 in both rudimentary and advancedgeneral embodiments respectively corresponding to the rudimentary andadvanced general embodiments of IP structure 700. The location-dependentCC capability is also the same in cell-containing IP structures 750 and850 subject to addition of the cell-related operational details and, forstructure 850, implementing CC controller 852 as an intelligentcontroller functioning the same as controller 752 in both rudimentaryand advanced cell-containing embodiments corresponding to therudimentary and advanced general embodiments of structure 700.

Each cell 404 in the rudimentary cell-containing embodiment specificallyprovides a principal cellular LI impact signal if the impact causes thatcell 404 to meet principal cellular TH impact criteria and temporarilybecome a TH CM cell. The cellular LI impact signal identifies where SFpart 406 of that TH CM cell 404 is located in SF zone 112. Controller752 or the intelligent implementation of controller 852 responds to thecellular impact signal of each TH CM cell 404 by providing it with aprincipal cellular CC initiation signal that causes it to temporarilybecome a full CM cell and temporarily appear along its part 406 of zone112 as changed color XJ_(i) for location criterion LJ_(i) met by printarea 118. In the advanced cell-containing embodiment, each cell 404provides a principal cellular CI impact signal if the impact causes thatcell 404 to meet the principal cellular TH impact criteria andtemporarily become a TH CM cell. The cellular impact signal identifiesthe above-described principal cellular supplemental impact informationfor the object impacting OC area 116 as experienced at that TH CM cell404. Responsive to the cellular impact signal of each TH CM cell 404,controller 752 or the intelligent implementation of controller 852combines the cellular supplemental impact information of that TH CM cell404 and any other TH CM cell 404 to form the principal generalsupplemental impact information, determines whether the generalsupplemental impact information meets the supplemental impact criteria,and, if so, provides a principal cellular CC initiation signal forcausing that TH CM cell 404 causes to temporarily become a full CM celland temporarily appear along its part 406 of zone 112 as color XJ_(i)for criterion LJ_(i) met by area 118.

VC region 106 preferably includes components 182 and 184 typicallyimplemented as in OI structure 200. ID segment 192 of IS component 182provides the LI or CI impact signal in response to the impact if itmeets the basic TH impact criteria. ID segment 194 of CC component 184responds to the initiation signal (if provided) by causing the IDVCportion (138) to temporarily appear as specific changed color XJ_(i) forlocation criterion LJ_(i), met by print area 118.

SF zone 112 has a perimeter. In one implementation of thelocation-dependent CC capability where integer p is 2, the locationcriteria consist of (i) first criterion LJ₁ that print area 118 adjointhe perimeter and (ii) second criterion LJ₂ that area 118 be entirelyinside zone 112. Changed color X is (i) first changed color XJ₁ if area118 adjoins the perimeter and (ii) second changed color XJ₂ differentfrom color XJ₁ if area 118 is entirely inside zone 112. In anotherimplementation of the location-dependent CC capability where p is again2, the perimeter consists of multiple perimeter segments. The locationcriteria include (i) first criterion LJ₁ that area 118 adjoin aspecified one of the perimeter segments and (ii) second criterion LJ₂that area 118 be spaced apart from the specified perimeter segment.Color X is (i) changed color XJ₁ if area 118 adjoins the specifiedperimeter segment and (ii) changed color XJ₂ again different from colorXJ₁ if area 118 is spaced apart from the specified perimeter segment.These two implementations sometimes achieve the same result.

IP structures 1110, 1130, 1170, and 1200 can each provide a capabilityfor the AD IDVC portion (926) or FR IDVC portion of VC region 886 or 906to appear as a selected one of multiple altered or modified colorsdependent on the location of print area 898 or 918 in SF zone 892 or 912besides enabling the PP IDVC portion (138) of VC region 106 to appear asa selected one of multiple changed colors dependent on the location ofprint area 118 in SF zone 112. The location-dependent CC capability ingeneral rudimentary and advanced embodiments for the AD or FR IDVCportion is performed the same as the general rudimentary and advancedembodiments for the PP IDVC portion subject to q specific altered colorsYK₁, YK₂, . . . YK_(q) which embody altered color Y and materiallydiffer from color B or r specific changed colors ZL₁, ZL₂, . . . ZL_(r)which embody modified color Z and materially differ from color C where qor r is an integer greater than 1 replacing changed colors XJ₁-XJ_(p), qor r replacing p, q mutually exclusive location criteria LK₁, LK₂, . . .LK_(q) or r mutually exclusive location criteria LL₁, LL₂, . . . LL_(r)replacing location criteria LJ₁-LJ_(p), and color YK_(i) or ZL_(i)replacing color XJ_(i) where integer i varies from 1 to q or r for colorYK_(i) or ZL_(i).

Recitations of VC region 886 or 906, SF zone 892 or 912, color B or C,the AD or FR IDVC portion, the AD or FR ISCC structure, the AD or FR IDISCC segment, OC area 896 or 916, print area 898 or 918, an AD or FRgeneral LI impact signal, the AD or FR basic TH impact criteria, an ADor FR general CC initiation signal, an AD or FR general CI impactsignal, the AD or FR supplemental impact information, the AD or FRsupplemental impact criteria, the AD or FR IS component including its ADor FR ID segment, and the AD or FR CC component including its AD or FRID segment also respectively replace the preceding recitations of VCregion 106, SF zone 112, color A, the PP IDVC portion, the PP ISCCstructure, the PP ID ISCC segment, OC area 116, print area 118, the PPgeneral LI impact signal, the PP basic TH criteria, the PP general CCinitiation signal, the PP general CI impact signal, the PP supplementalimpact information, the PP supplemental impact criteria, the PP IScomponent including its PP ID segment, and the PP CC component includingits PP ID segment in the preceding description. In rudimentary andadvanced cell-containing embodiments, recitations of cells 1084 or 1104,an AD or FR cellular impact signal, AD or FR cellular supplementalimpact information, and an AD or FR cellular initiation signaladditionally respectively replace the preceding recitations of cells404, the PP cellular impact signal, the PP cellular supplemental impactinformation, and the PP cellular initiation signal. The precedingimplementations of the location-dependent CC capabilities for which p is2 extend to implementations in which q or r is 2 for each region 886 or906 in each of IP structures 1110, 1130, 1170, and 1200.

In an example of the second implementation of the location-dependent CCcapability for which p is 2 in IP structure 1110, 1130, 1170, or 1200,the specified segment of the perimeter of SF zone 112 is the edge ofinterface 884 where SF zones 112 and 892 meet along surface 102. Byarranging for changed color X to be (i) first changed color XJ₁ if printarea 118 adjoins this interface edge and (ii) second changed color XJ₂if area 118 is spaced apart from this interface edge, it can readily bedetermined whether object 104 impacted zone 112 at a location adjoiningzone 892 or at a location spaced apart from zone 892 by simply lookingat changed color X of area 118. In particular, color X is (i) color XJ₁if area 118 adjoins zone 892 and (ii) color XJ₂ if area 118 is spacedapart from zone 892.

The preceding example can be reversed by setting q at 2 and arrangingfor altered color Y to be (i) first altered color YK₁ if print area 898adjoins the preceding interface edge and (ii) second altered color YK₂different from color YK₁ if area 898 is spaced apart from that interfaceedge. It can then readily be determined whether object 104 impacted SFzone 892 at a location adjoining SF zone 112 or at a location spacedapart from zone 112 by simply looking at altered color Y of area 898.That is, color Y is (i) color YK₁ if area 898 adjoins zone 112 and (ii)color YK₂ if area 898 is spaced apart from zone 112. The secondimplementation of the location-dependent CC capability for which p or ris 2 can similarly be applied to the edge of interface 890 where SFzones 892 and 912 meet so that color Y is (i) color YK₁ if area 898adjoins zone 912 and (ii) color YK₂ if area 898 is spaced apart fromzone 912 or modified color Z is (i) first modified color ZL₁ if printarea 918 adjoins zone 892 and (ii) second modified color ZL₂ differentfrom color ZL₁ if area 918 is spaced apart from zone 892. These examplesfor p, q, or r being 2 are very helpful in making various determinationsin sports as described below for FIGS. 96-101.

Controller 702 or 752 typically uses an electronic map of SF zone 112,including the location of the SF edge of interface 110 and each otherpart of the boundary of zone 112, to determine which location criterionLJ_(i) is satisfied by print area 118. The same applies to controller832 or 852 when it operates as an intelligent controller functioning thesame as controller 702 or 752. Controller 1114/1134 likewise typicallyuses an electronic map of SF zones 112, 892, and 912, including thelocations of the SF edges of interfaces 110, 884, 904, and 910 and eachother part of the boundaries of zones 112, 892, and 912 to determinewhich location criterion LJ_(i), LK_(i), or LL_(i) is satisfied by printarea 118, 898, or 918.

The signals provided from and to OI structure 900 or 1100 via networks1116, 1118, 1120, 1122, 1124, 1126, 1156, 1158, and 1160 or 1136, 1138,1140, 1142, 1144, 1146, 1186, 1188, and 1190 in IP structures 1150 and1170 or 1180 and 1200 may leave and enter OI structure 900 or 1100 viawires along its sides or/and along substructure 134. Any of those wiresleaving structure 900 or 1100 along its sides extend into adjoiningmaterial of one or more of FC regions 108, 888, and 908, into any otherregions adjoining the sides of structure 900 or 1100, or/and into openspace. Part of the signal processing performed on the signals providedfrom structure 900 or 1100 via networks 1116, 1118, 1120, 1156, 1158,and 1160 or 1136, 1138, 1140, 1186, 1188, and 1190 to produce thesignals provided to structure 900 or 1100 via networks 1122, 1124, and1126 or 1142, 1144, and 1146 may be physically performed in structure900 or 1100, e.g., in FA layer 206 when VC region 106 is embodied as inany of OI structures 200, 270, and 300 or 460, 480, and 500 and in FAlayer 946 when VC region 886 of structure 900 is embodied as in any ofOI structures 930, 980, and 1010. Controllers 1114 and 1154 or 1134 and1184 may thus partially merge into structure 900 or 1100.

Sound Generation

Each IP structure 600, 650, 700, 750, 830, or 850 optionally hassound-generating apparatus, usually provided by CC controller 602, 652,702, 752, 832, or 852, for generating a specified audible soundindicating that object 104 has impacted SF zone 112 to produce printarea 118. The specified sound which is separate from any audible soundoriginating at OC area 116 due physically to object 104 impacting area116, i.e., due to sound waves generated by the impact, sound is usuallyindicative of the meaning for the appearance, including potentiallychanged color X, of print area 118. Responsive to the PP general LIimpact signal, the PP cellular LI impact signals, the PP general CIimpact signal if the PP supplemental impact criteria are met, and the PPcellular CI impact signals if the PP supplemental impact criteria aremet, structures 600, 650, 700, and 750 respectively generate thespecified sound substantially immediately after object 104 has left zone112. Structure 830 or 850 does the same in response to the PP general LIimpact signal or the PP cellular LI impact signals for controller 832 or852 implementing duration controller 602 or 652 and in response to thePP general CI impact signal or the PP cellular CI impact signals if thePP supplemental impact criteria are met for controller 832 or 852implementing intelligent controller 702 or 752. Controllers 602, 652,702, 752, 832, and 852 each provide a capability for a person todirectly or remotely adjust (increase or decrease) the volume (nominalamplitude) of the sound.

Each of IP structures 600, 650, 700, 750, 830, and 850 selectivelygenerates the specified sound, or substantially no audible sound, if thePP basic TH or supplemental impact criteria consist of multiple sets ofdifferent PP basic TH or supplemental impact criteria respectivelyassociated with different specific changed colors materially differentfrom PP color A as described above. In that case, the sets of PP basicTH or supplemental impact criteria are respectively associated withmultiple sound candidates. Each sound candidate consists of eithersubstantially no audible sound or a selected audible sound differentfrom at least one other selected audible sound. All the sound candidatesusually differ.

If only one set of the PP basic TH or supplemental impact criteria canbe met for an impact, each of IP structures 600 and 650 or 700 and 750generates the specified sound as the sound candidate for the PP TH orsupplemental impact criteria set met by the impact, IP structure 830does the same for CC controller 832 implementing duration controller 652or intelligent controller 752, and IP structure 850 does the same for CCcontroller 852 implementing controller 652 or 752. If more than one setof the PP basic TH or supplemental impact criteria can potentially bemet for an impact, the sets of PP TH or supplemental impact criteriahave respective PP basic TH or supplemental sound priorities. Each ofstructures 600 and 650 or 700 and 750 then generates the specified soundas the sound candidate for the PP TH or supplemental criteria of thehighest PP TH or supplemental sound priority met by the impact. With thesets of PP TH or supplemental impact criteria having respective PP TH orsupplemental sound priorities if more than one set of the PP TH orsupplemental criteria can potentially be met for an impact, structure830 does the same for controller 832 implementing controller 602 or 702,and structure 850 does the same for controller 852 implementingcontroller 652 or 752.

IP structure 600, 650, 700, 750, 830, or 850 may not generate thespecified sound when certain circumstances arise despite theabove-described requirements for generating the sound having been met.This situation typically occurs when structure 600, 650, 700, 750, 830,or 850 is part of a larger IP structure having multiple VC regions akinto VC region 106 and when object 104 simultaneously impacts two or moreselected ones of those VC regions. The larger IP structure thengenerates either substantially no audible sound or a selected audiblesound different from each audible sound generatable by structure 600,650, 700, 750, 830, or 850.

Each IP structure 800, 830, 840, or 850 optionally has sound-generatingapparatus for generating such a specified audible sound if theabove-described object-tracking indicates that object 104 is almostcertainly going to impact SF zone 112. For structure 800 or 840, thesound-generating apparatus is incorporated into IG controller 806 or846, incorporated into image-collecting apparatus 808, or provided by aseparate apparatus (not shown). The same applies to structure 830 or 850except that the sound-generating apparatus can also be incorporated intoCC controller 832 or 852.

Each of IP structures 1110 and 1170 or 1130 and 1200 has optionalsound-generating apparatus, typically provided by CC controller 1114 or1134, for generating a specified audible sound indicating that object104 has impacted one or more of SF zones 112, 892, and 912 to produceone or more of print areas 118, 898, and 918. The specified sound isseparate from any audible sound originating at one or more of OC areas116, 896, and 916 due physically to object 104 impacting one or more ofareas 116, 896, and 916. Generation of the specified sound may depend onwhich of zones 112, 892, and 912 is/are impacted by object 104, e.g.,the sound (a) is generated if object 104 solely impacts a specified one,or either of a specified two, of zones 112, 892, and 912 to produce thecorresponding one of areas 118, 898, and 918, (b) is not generated ifobject 104 solely impacts either of the remaining two, or the remainingone, of zones 112, 892, and 912 to produce the corresponding one ofareas 118, 898, and 918, and (c) selectively is, or is not, generated ifobject 104 simultaneously impacts at least one of the specified one ortwo of zones 112, 892, and 912 to produce the corresponding one or twoof areas 118, 898, and 918 and at least one of the remaining two or oneof zones 112, 912, and 912 to produce the corresponding two or one ofareas 118, 898, and 918. In an example, the sound is generated if object104 solely impacts zone 112 to produce area 118 but is not generated ifobject 104 solely impacts zone 892 or 912 to produce area 898 or 918 orsimultaneously impacts any two or three of zones 112, 892, and 912 toproduce the corresponding two or three of zones 118, 898, and 918 andvice versa. Zones 112 and 912 are inverted, accompanied by invertingareas 118 and 918, to produce a complementary example.

When generated for an impact solely on SF zone 112, 892, or 912 toproduce print area 118, 898, or 918, the specified sound is usuallyindicative of the meaning for the appearance, including potentiallycolor X, Y, or Z, of area 118, 898, or 918 and thus may differ dependingon which of zones 112, 892, and 912 is impacted by object 104. For animpact simultaneously on zones 892 and 112 or/and 912 to produce areas898 and 118 or/and 918 and cause the sound to be generated, the sound issimilarly usually indicative of the meaning for the appearance,including potentially colors Y and X or/and Z, of areas 898 and 118or/and 918 and may differ depending on which two or more of zones 112,892, and 912 are impacted by object 104. Insofar as zones 112 and 892or/and 912 are so impacted and the sound is generated, the sound may bethe same as, or differ significantly from, the sound generated due to animpact solely on zone 112, 892, or 912.

Responsive to the AD and PP or/and FR general or cellular LI impactsignals if the AD and PP or/and FR basic TH impact criteria are met forCC controller 1114 or 1134 implementing a controller analogous toduration controller 602 or 652 and responsive to the AD and PP or/and FRgeneral or cellular CI impact signals if the AD and PP or/and FRsupplemental impact criteria are met, or the CP supplemental impactcriteria are met in the event that object 104 simultaneously impacts SFzones 892 and 112 or/and 912, for controller 1114 or 1134 implementing acontroller analogous to intelligent controller 702 or 752, each of IPstructures 1110 and 1170 or 1130 and 1200 ordinarily generates thespecified sound substantially immediately after object 104 has leftsurface 102. Structures 1110, 1130, 1170, and 1200 each provide acapability for a person to directly or remotely adjust the sound'svolume. If the sound differs depending on which of zones 112, 892, and912 is/are impacted by object 104, the volume of each different soundpreferably can be separately so adjusted.

If the PP, AD, or FR basic TH impact criteria consist of multiple setsof different PP, AD, or FR basic TH impact criteria respectivelyassociated with different specific changed, altered, or modified colorsmaterially different from PP color A, AD color B, or FR color C, thespecified sound can be selectively generated, or not generated, forimpact solely on SF zone 112, 892, or 912 to produce print area 118,898, or 918 depending on which set of PP, AD, or FR basic TH impactcriteria is met. The same applies to the PP, AD, or FR cellular THimpact criteria. Should the CP basic TH impact criteria consist ofmultiple sets of different CP basic TH impact criteria respectivelyassociated with different specific altered colors materially differentfrom AD color B and different specific changed colors materiallydifferent from PP color A or/and different specific modified colorsmaterially different from FR color C, the sound can be selectivelygenerated, or not generated, for impact simultaneously on zones 892 and112 or/and 912 to produce areas 898 and 118 or/and 918 depending onwhich set of CP basic TH impact criteria is met.

Each IP structure 1150, 1170, 1180, or 1200 optionally hassound-generating apparatus for generating such a specified sound if theabove-described object-tracking indicates that object 104 is almostcertainly going to impact one or more of SF zones 112, 892, and 912. Forstructure 1150 or 1180, the sound-generating apparatus is incorporatedinto IG controller 1154 or 1184, incorporated into image-collectingapparatus 808, or provided by a separate apparatus (not shown). The sameapplies to structure 1170 or 1200 except that the sound-generatingapparatus can also be incorporated into CC controller 1114 or 1134.

Accommodation of Color Vision Deficiency

The invention's CC capability can readily accommodate the large majorityof persons with color vision deficiency, commonly termed colorblindness, in which the ability to perceive color differences isreduced. Color vision deficiency arises much more in men, reportedlypresent in 8% of men, than in women, reportedly present in 0.5% ofwomen. Color vision deficiency usually occurs due to one or more of thethree types of optical cones either operating improperly or being absent(including nonfunctioning). There are three basic types of color visiondeficiency, namely monochromacy, dichromacy, and anomalous trichromacy.

Monochromacy, quite rare, arises when two of the three types of conepigments, commonly termed blue, green, and red, are missing.Monochromacy also arises when all three cone pigments are missing sothat only the rods provide a vision function. Vision is essentiallyreduced to black, white, and shades of gray.

Dichromacy, divided into protanopia, deuteranopia, and tritanopia,arises when one of the three types of cone pigments is missing.Protanopia, reportedly present in 1% of men, is caused by the absence ofred cones. Persons with protanopia have great difficulty indistinguishing between red and green. The usual brightness of red,orange, and yellow is much reduced. Violet, lavender, and purple areindistinguishable from various shades of blue because their reddishcomponents are strongly dimmed. Deuteranopia, reportedly present in 1%of men, is caused by the absence of green cones. Persons withdeuteranopia have great difficulty in distinguishing between red andgreen but without the dimming of protanopia. Tritanopia, very rare, iscaused by the absence of blue cones. Blue colors appear greenish whileyellow and orange colors appear pinkish.

Anomalous trichromacy, divided into protanomaly, deuteranomaly, andtritanomaly, arises when one of the three cone pigments is altered inspectral sensitivity. Protanomaly, reportedly present in 1% of men, iscaused by shifting of the spectral sensitivity of the red cones towardgreen. Red, orange, and yellow appear somewhat shifted toward green andare somewhat dimmed. Deuteranomaly, reportedly present in 5% of men andthus the prevalent type of color vision deficiency, is caused byshifting of the spectral sensitivity of the green cones toward red. Adeuteranomalous person has some difficulty in distinguishing betweenred, orange, yellow, and green but without the dimming of protanomaly.Tritanomaly, very rare, is caused by shifting of the spectralsensitivity of the blue cones toward green. Blues appear greenish whileyellows and oranges appear pinkish.

Persons with color vision deficiency generally seem capable of clearlydistinguishing sufficiently dark colors from sufficiently light colorseven though they cannot distinguish the hues of certain colors fromthose of certain other colors. The invention take advantage of this toprovide implementations of OI structure 100 and its embodiments,extensions, and variations, including OI structures 130, 180, 200, 240,260, 270, 280, 300, 320, 330, 340, 350, 400, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450,460, 470, 480, 490, 500, 880, 882, 900, 902, 920, 930, 960, 980, 990,1010, 1080, 1082, 1100, and 1102 and their embodiments, extensions, andvariations, in which the colors in at least one, regularly at least two,and often all three of the following three pairs of colors, to theextent present (in these implementations), differ materially asgenerally viewed by persons having dichromacy, anomalous trichromacy, ormonochromacy: PP color A and changed color X, AD color B and alteredcolor Y, and FR color C and modified color Z. Similarly, the colors inat least one, regularly at least two, and often three or more of thefollowing six additional pairs of colors, to the extent present, usuallydiffer materially as generally viewed by persons having dichromacy,anomalous trichromacy, or monochromacy: colors A and B, colors B and C,colors X and Y, colors Y and Z, colors A and Z, and colors C and X.

In particular, the colors in at least one, regularly at least two, andoften all three of color pairs A and X, B and Y, and C and Z, to theextent present, differ materially in lightness L* in CIE L*a*b* colorspace. The difference in lightness L* between the colors in at leastone, regularly at least two, and often all of color pairs A and X, B andY, and C and Z, is usually at least 60, preferably at least 70, morepreferably at least 80, sometimes at least 90. Similarly, the colors inat least one, regularly at least two, and often three or more of the sixadditional color pairs A and B, B and C, X and Y, Y and Z, A and Z, andC and X, to the extent present, usually differ materially in lightnessL*. The difference in lightness L* between the colors in at least one,regularly at least two, and often three or more of color pairs A and B,B and C, X and Y, Y and Z, A and Z, and C and X is likewise usually atleast 60, preferably at least 70, more preferably at least 80, sometimesat least 90.

One of each color pair A and X, B and Y, or C and Z is a light colorwhile the other of that color pair is a dark color compared to the lightcolor. In order to achieve the preceding L* difference between colors Aand B when VC regions 106 and 886 are both present, a selected one ofcolors A and B is a light color while the remaining one of colors A andB is a dark color compared to the light color. If colors A and Brespectively are light and dark colors, colors X and Y respectively aredark and light colors, and vice versa. In order to achieve the precedingL* differences among colors A, B, and C when VC regions 106, 886, and906 are all present, color A, B, and C alternate between being lightcolors and dark colors respectively compared to the light colors. Thatis, if color A is a light color, color B is a dark color while color Cis a light color and vice versa. If colors A, B, and C respectively arelight, dark, and light colors, colors X, Y, and Z respectively are dark,light, and dark colors and vice versa.

The preceding selections of colors with VC regions 106 and 886 or VCregions 106, 886, and 906 present are expected to fully accommodatealmost any person having a standard type of dichromacy, anomaloustrichromacy, or monochromacy. Nonetheless, it may sometimes besufficient to only partly accommodate color vision deficiency,especially since monochromacy and some types of dichromacy and anomaloustrichromacy are rare. In an exemplary implementation having regions 106and 886, the L* difference between the colors in each color pair A and Bor A and X is at least 60 but the L* difference between colors B and Yis less than 60. In an exemplary implementation having regions 106, 886,and 906, the L* difference between the colors in each color pair A andB, A and X, or B and C is at least 60 but the L* difference betweencolors B and Y is less than 60. In another exemplary implementationhaving regions 106, 886, and 906, the L* difference between the colorsin each color pair A and B, B and C, or B and Y is at least 60 but theL* difference between colors A and X is less than 60. The L* differencebetween colors C and Z in each of the last two implementations may beless than, or at least, 60.

Another way of partly accommodating color vision deficiency when thecolors in at least one, regularly at least two, and often all of colorpairs A and X, B and Y, and C and Z, to the extent present, differmaterially as perceived by the standard human eye/brain is to basicallyrestrict a selected one of each pair of colors A and X, B and Y, and Cand Z from being any color from green to red in the visible spectrum orany color having a non-insignificant component of any color from greento red in the visible spectrum. Since the lower limit of the greenwavelength range is approximately 490 nm and since the red wavelengthrange is at greater wavelength than the green wavelength range, thisbasic restriction devolves to restricting the selected one of each pairof colors A and X, B and Y, and C and Z from being any color having awavelength of approximately 490 nm or more or any color having anon-insignificant component at a wavelength of approximately 490 nm ormore. The basic restriction essentially limits the selected one of eachof these three pairs of colors to being violet, blue, or shades ofviolet or blue.

The remaining one of each pair of colors A and X, B and Y, and C and Zis not so restricted. By so choosing colors A, B, C, X, Y, and Z to theextent present, persons with the general red-green color visiondeficiencies of protanomaly, deuteranomaly, protanopia, and deuteranopiaare generally expected to be readily able to rapidly distinguish betweencolors A and X, between colors B and Y, and between colors C and Z eventhough those persons may not recognize certain of colors A, B, C, X, Y,and Z as perceived by the standard human eye/brain. Since persons withprotanomaly, deuteranomaly, protanopia, and deuteranopia constitute thevast majority of people with color vision deficiency, the selection ofcolors A, B, C, X, Y, and Z in this basic restriction is expected toaccommodate the vast majority of color vision deficient persons.

In an exemplary implementation of the preceding way of partlyaccommodating color vision deficiency when VC regions 106 and 886 arepresent and when colors A and B differ materially as perceived by thestandard human eye/brain, the basic restriction of not being any colorfrom green to red in the visible spectrum or any color having anon-insignificant component of any color from green to red in thevisible spectrum is placed either on colors A and Y or on colors X andB. If VC region 906 is also present with colors B and C differingmaterially as perceived by the standard human eye/brain, the basicrestriction of not being any color from green to red in the visiblespectrum or any color having a non-insignificant component of any colorfrom green to red in the visible spectrum is placed either on colors A,Y, and C or on colors X, B, and Z.

The preceding way of partly accommodating color vision deficiency isextended to persons with tritanomaly and tritanopia by additionallyrestricting the remaining one of each pair of colors A and X, B and Y,and C and Z from being any color from violet to yellow in the visiblespectrum or any color having a non-insignificant component of any colorfrom violet to yellow in the visible spectrum. Since the upper limit ofthe yellow wavelength range is approximately 590 nm and since the violetwavelength range is at lower wavelength than the yellow wavelengthrange, this additional restriction devolves to restricting the selectedone of each pair of colors A and X, B and Y, and C and Z from being anycolor having a wavelength of approximately 590 nm or less or any colorhaving a non-insignificant component at a wavelength of approximately590 nm or less. The additional restriction effectively limits theremaining one of each of these three pairs of colors to being orange,red, or shades of orange or red. By so choosing the remaining one ofeach pair of colors A and X, B and Y, and C and Z, persons with thegeneral blue-yellow color vision deficiencies of tritanomaly andtritanopia, are generally expected to be readily able to rapidlydistinguish between colors A and X, between colors B and Y, and betweencolors C and Z even though those persons may not recognize certain ofcolors A, B, C, X, Y, and Z as perceived by the standard humaneye/brain.

In an exemplary implementation of the preceding way of additionallypartly accommodating color vision deficiency when VC regions 106 and 886are present and when colors A and B differ materially as perceived bythe standard human eye/brain, the basic restriction of not being anycolor from green to red in the visible spectrum or any color having anon-insignificant component of any color from green to red in thevisible spectrum is again placed either on colors A and Y or on colors Xand B. The additional restriction of not being any color from violet toyellow in the visible spectrum or any color having a non-insignificantcomponent of any color from violet to yellow in the visible spectrum isplaced on colors X and B if the basic restriction is placed on colors Aand Y and vice versa. If VC region 906 is also present with colors B andC differing materially as perceived by the standard human eye/brain, thebasic restriction of not being any color from green to red in thevisible spectrum or any color having a non-insignificant component ofany color from green to red in the visible spectrum is again placedeither on colors A, Y, and C or on colors X, B, and Z. The additionalrestriction of not being any color from violet to yellow in the visiblespectrum or any color having a non-insignificant component of any colorfrom violet to yellow in the visible spectrum is placed on colors X, B,and Z if the basic restriction is placed on colors A, Y, and C and viceversa.

Tennis Implementations

Many sports, such as tennis, employ sports-playing structures havingfinite-width lines which define penalty/reward decisions or/and resultin temporary play stoppage depending on whether an object impacts thesports-playing structure at, or on one side of, any of the lines. Theobject can be a sports instrument, e.g., a ball, or a person such as aplayer including the person's footwear and other clothing. The presentCC capability can be provided (or installed) at each line and directlyalong both edges of each line. However, the CC capability is often usedto a lesser extent for various reasons, including keeping the cost down.If so, location priorities are employed in determining where to providethe CC capability.

With the foregoing in mind, all lines in this section dealing withtennis and in the next section dealing with other sports are of finitewidth except as otherwise indicated. Providing CC capability “at” a linemeans that CC capability is provided across essentially the entire widthof the line. CC capability may be present at part or all of the line'slength. Providing CC capability “directly along” an edge of a line meansthat CC capability is provided in area adjoining that edge of the line.The line-adjoining area may encompass part or all of the line's length.One edge of each line defining a penalty/reward/play-stoppage decisionis termed its critical edge because that edge is the demarcatinglocation for the penalty/reward/play-stoppage decision. That is, thepenalty or reward or/and temporary play stoppage applies to one or moretypes of contact occurring at area directly along one side of thecritical edge and not to such contact occurring at area directly alongthe other side of the critical edge.

“IB” and “OB” again respectively mean inbounds and out-of-bounds. For asport having an IB area at least partly separated from an OB area by aclosed boundary line that forms part of the IB or OB area, the “inside”edge of the boundary line is the edge meeting or lying in the IB area.The “outside” edge is the edge lying in or meeting the OB area. Thecritical edge of the boundary line is (a) its inside edge if the linelies in the OB area so as to meet the IB area and (b) its outside edgeif the line lies in the IB area so as to meet the OB area.

Recitations of IDVC portion 138, OC area 116, and print area 118 of a VCstructure portion or part hereafter respectively mean portion 138 andareas 116 and 118 of a unit of VC region 106 in the structure portion orpart. Recitations of IDVC portion 926, OC area 896, and print area 898of a VC structure portion or part similarly hereafter respectively meanportion 926 and areas 896 and 898 of a unit of VC region 886 in thestructure portion or part. Recitations of an FR IDVC portion, OC area916, and print area 918 of a VC structure portion or part hereafterrespectively mean the FR IDVC portion and areas 916 and 918 of a unit ofVC region 906 in the structure portion or part.

The present CC capability is preferably at least provided as a unit ofVC region 106 (or 906) having SF zone 112 (or 912) situated in area,usually elongated, extending directly along the critical edge of a linedefining a penalty/reward/play-stoppage decision. Providing the CCcapability at this highest priority location directly along the line'scritical edge enables an observer, e.g., a player or an official, toreadily visually determine whether there is any space between thecritical edge and the space beyond the critical edge so that thepenalty/reward/play-stoppage decision can quickly be made. With the CCcapability provided at the highest priority location, the CC capabilitymay also be provided as a unit of VC region 886 having SF zone 892situated at that line as the next (or second) highest CC locationpriority. Providing the CC capability at the next highest prioritylocation further assists the observer in confirming whether any space ispresent between the critical edge and the space beyond the criticaledge. Since the designations “886” and “106” (or “906”) are arbitrary,region 886 and region 106 (or 906), along with zone 892 and zone 112 (or912), can be reversed.

Rules of tennis generally require that the lines of a tennis court bethe same color. The court lines are usually white or nearly white.Tennis rules generally require that remainder of the IB playing area bea color contrasting to that of the lines. For a tennis court used forsingles and doubles, the servicecourts, backcourts, and doubles alleysare usually uniformly of a single color clearly contrasting to that ofthe lines. The OB playing area is uniformly, at least along the (outer)boundary of the IB area and commonly for at least several meters awayfrom that boundary, a color contrasting with the line color.

Despite tennis rules, World Team Tennis utilizes tennis courts in whichthe servicecourts, backcourts, and alleys are of multiple differentcolors. With the court lines being the usual white, World Team Tenniscommonly uses the following combination of four materially differentnon-white colors. Both backcourts are a first non-white color. One pairof diagonally opposite servicecourts are a second non-white color. Theother pair of diagonally opposite servicecourts are a third non-whitecolor. The alleys are a fourth non-white color.

Using the reference symbols for the tennis court in FIG. 1, thefollowing definitions apply to the tennis IP structures described belowfor FIGS. 96 and 97. Each pair of adjoining servicecourts 38 separatedby the imaginary or real line below net 32 constitute net-separatedservicecourts. Baseline 28 and serviceline 34 on the same side of theimaginary/real net line below net 32 constitute associated lines. Thepart of each doubles alley 48 extending between a baseline 28 and thenet line constitutes a half alley. The two half alleys of each alley 48constitute net-separated half alleys. Each tennis court has alongitudinal axis running lengthwise through the center of centerline 36and a transverse axis formed by the net line. Each half court has astraight imaginary extended serviceline running lengthwise through thecenter of serviceline 34 in that half court and past both alleys 48.Singles sidelines 30 and baselines 28, insofar as they extend betweensidelines 30, form a closed boundary line 28/30 for singles IB area 22.Doubles sidelines 46 and baselines 28 form a closed boundary line 28/46for doubles IB area 42.

The adjectives “left”, “right”, “far”, and “near” are used todistinguish identically shaped SF areas in the tennis courts of FIGS. 96and 97 relative to a location at the center of baseline 28 closest tothe bottom of each figure. The inside and outside edges of an elongatedstraight VC area portion, part, or segment adjoining a court linerespectively are the edge adjoining the line and the edge opposite theline-adjoining edge. “BC”, “SC”, “HA”, and “QC” hereafter respectivelymean backcourt, servicecourt, half-alley, and quartercourt. “LA”, “BLA”,“CLA”, “SLA”, and “SVLA” hereafter respectively mean line-adjoining,baseline-adjoining, centerline-adjoining, sideline-adjoining, andserviceline-adjoining. A straight segment of a straight item means oneof a plurality of straight segments arranged lengthwise in the item.Each recitation of a “ball” or “balls” in this section means a tennisball or tennis balls.

A point in tennis usually begins with tennis service consisting of aneffort by one player, the server, positioned at a location behind abaseline 28 and to one side of the center mark on that line 28 to servea ball over net 32 and into diagonally opposite servicecourt 38. A ballhit by the server is sometimes termed a served ball until the ballimpacts surface 102 and is hit by another player, the receiver, locatedon the opposite side of net 32 from the server. If a served ball is“in”, return play begins with an effort by the receiver to return theserved ball back over net 32. If the receiver fails to return the servedball over net 32, return play ends abruptly. If the receiver returns theserved ball over net 32 so that the served ball lands “in”, return playcontinues as the players hit the ball back and forth over net 32 untilthe ball finally impacts surface 102 “out” to end the point and returnplay. A ball hit during any tennis stoke subsequent to tennis service,including a return of the served ball, is sometimes termed a returnedball.

Finite-width court lines 28, 30, 34, 36, and 46 are of uniform coloracross them during the normal state. Each servicecourt 38, backcourt 40,or doubles half alley is of uniform color across that servicecourt 38,backcourt, or half alley during the normal state. Doubles OB playingarea 44 is of uniform color along the perimeter of doubles IB playingarea 42 during the normal state. In addition to contrastingly differingfrom the normal-state line color, the normal-state color of each of IBcourt areas 38 and 40, each half alley, and OB area 44 along theboundary of IB area 42 can potentially differ from the normal-statecolor of each other of court areas 38 and 40, each half alley, and area44 along the boundary of area 42.

FIG. 96 illustrates a tennis IP structure 1230 containing OI structure880 or 900 or, preferably, cell-containing OI structure 1080 or 1100incorporated into a tennis court suitable for singles and doubles toform a tennis-playing structure having CC capability that assists indetermining whether object 104 embodied with a ball is “in” or “out”when it impacts surface 102 in the immediate vicinity of a selectedtennis line. The tennis-playing structure includes net 32. For doubles,surface 102 consists of OB area 44 and IB area 42 formed with fourservicecourts, two backcourts, two doubles alleys, and nine court linesconsisting of near and far baselines 28N and 28F (collectively“baselines 28”), left and right singles sideline 30L and 30R(collectively “singles sidelines 30”), near and far servicelines 34N and34F (collectively “servicelines 34”), centerline 36, and left and rightdoubles sidelines 46L and 46R (collectively “doubles sidelines 46”).Lines 28, 30, 34, 36, and 46 here are arranged the same as in FIG. 1.

The servicecourts consist of near left, near right, far left, and farright servicecourts 38NL, NR, 38FL, and 38FR (collectively“servicecourts 38”) arranged the same relative to net 32 asservicecourts 38 in FIG. 1. Servicecourts 38NL and 38NR are in the nearhalf court. Servicecourts 38FL and 38FR are in the far half court.Centerline 36 separates net-separated servicecourts 38NR and 38FR fromnet-separated servicecourts 38NL and 38FL. The backcourts consist ofnear and far backcourts 40N and 40F (collectively “backcourts 40”).Backcourt 40N or 40F is separated from servicecourts 38NL and 38NR or38FL and 38FR by serviceline 34N or 34F.

The doubles alleys consist of left and right doubles alleys 48L and 48R(collectively “alleys 48”). Doubles alley 48L is separated fromservicecourts 38NL and 38FL or 38NR and 38FR by singles sideline 30L or30R and toward the left or right from OB area 44 by doubles sideline 46Lor 46R. Baseline 28N or 28F separates alleys 48 and backcourt 40N or 40Ffrom OB area 44 toward the near or far end of the tennis court. The netline divides (a) left alley 48L into near left and far left half alleys48NL and 48FL respectively in the near and far half courts and (b) rightalley 48R into near right and far right half alleys 48NR and 48FRrespectively in the near and far half courts. The court thus has fourdoubles half alleys 48NL, 48NR, 48FL, and 48FR (collectively “halfalleys 48H”).

IP structure 1230 is a full-line CC structure that provides CCcapability at, and directly along both edges of, the entire length ofeach court line 28, 30, 34, 36, or 46. In particular, lines 28, 30, 34,36, and 46 form a composite VC singles/doubles line area 1232Tconsisting of near and far VC singles/doubles line area 1232N and 1232Frespectively in the near and far half courts. Each VC singles/doublesline area 1232N or 1232F consists of twelve elongated straightcontinuous VC line area parts 1232ENL, 1232ENC, 1232ENR, 1232SNL,1232SNR, 1232ANL, 1232BNL, 1232ANR, 1232BNR, 1232CN, 1232DNL, and1232DNR or 1232EFL, 1232EFC, 1232EFR, 1232SFL, 1232SFR, 1232AFL,1232BFL, 1232AFR, 1232BFR, 1232CF, 1232DFL, and 1232DFR (collectively“1232”). VC line area parts 1232 in each half court variously end at thenet line and the intersections of lines 28, 30, 34, 36, and 46 in thathalf court.

VC line parts 1232ENL, 1232ENC, and 1232ENR respectively lying fullyalong the near ends of half alley 48NL, backcourt 40N, and half alley48NR form near baseline 28N. VC line parts 1232EFL, 1232EFC, and 1232EFRrespectively lying fully along the far ends of half alley 48FL,backcourt 40F, and half alley 48FR form far baseline 28F. VC line parts1232BNL, 1232ANL, 1232AFL, and 1232BFL respectively lying fully alongbackcourt 40N, servicecourts 38NL and 38FL, and backcourt 40F andjointly lying fully along alley 48L form left singles sideline 30L. VCline parts 1232BNR, 1232ANR, 1232AFR, and 1232BFR respectively lyingfully along backcourt 40N, servicecourts 38NR and 38FR, and backcourt40F and jointly lying fully along alley 48R form right singles sideline30R. VC line parts 1232ANL and 1232BNL, 1232ANR and 1232BNR, 1232AFL and1232BFL, or 1232AFR and 1232BFR form a straight VC QC singles sidelinearea part 1232QNL, 1232QNR, 1232QFL, or 1232QFR.

VC line parts 1232SNL and 1232SNR or 1232SFL and 1232SFR respectivelylying fully along servicecourts 38NL and 38NR or 38FL and 38FR andjointly lying fully along backcourt 40N or 40F form serviceline 34N or34F. VC line parts 1232CN and 1232CF (collectively “1232C”) formcenterline 36. VC line parts 1232DNL and 1232DFL or 1232DNR and 1232DFRlying fully along alley 48L or 48R form doubles sideline 46L or 46R.

Each VC line area part 1232 embodies one or more units of SF zone 892(of one or more units of VC region 886) in a plurality of larger unitsof a specified one of OI structures 900 and 1100. Each such larger unitcontains a pentad of consecutively adjoining color regions 108, 106,886, 906, and 908. In the multiple-unit situation, a line part 1232 isallocated into (or consists of) multiple straight VC area segments, eachembodying a unit of zone 892 in a different one of the pentad units. ADcolor B for zone 892 in each pentad unit is the color of VC line area1232T during the normal state and, as dealt with below, is usually thesame in every pentad unit. As also dealt with below, altered color Y ofprint area 898 of zone 892 in each pentad unit is usually the samecolor, materially different from color B, in every pentad unit duringthe changed state.

Each near servicecourt 38NL or 38NR is partly occupied with a ␣-shapedindividual near VC IB CLA SC area portion 1240NL or 1240NR consisting ofthree elongated straight near VC LA SC area parts 1240ANL, 1240SNL, and1240CNL or 1240ANR, 1240SNR, and 1240CNR respectively lying fully alongpart 1232ANL or 1232ANR of (closest) singles sideline 30L or 30R, part1232SNL or 1232SNR of near (closest) serviceline 34N, and near part1232CN of centerline 36. Each far servicecourt 38FL or 38FR is partlyoccupied with a ␣-shaped individual far VC IB CLA SC area portion 1240FLor 1240FR consisting of three elongated straight far VC LA SC area parts1240AFL, 1240SFL, and 1240CFL or 1240AFR, 1240SFR, and 1240CFRrespectively lying fully along part 1232AFL or 1232AFR of (closest)singles sideline 30L or 30R, part 1232SFL or 1232SFR of far (closest)serviceline 34F, and far part 1232CF of centerline 36. VC SC portions1240NL, 1240NR, 1240FL, and 1240FR (collectively “1240”) are usuallymirror images about the court's longitudinal and transverse axes. SCportions 1240NL and 1240FL or 1240NR and 1240FR form a rectangularannular composite VC IB CLA SC area portion 1240L or 1240R in whichsingles SLA SC parts 1240ANL and 1240AFL or 1240ANR and 1240AFR arecontinuous and in line with each other and in which CLA SC parts 1240CNLand 1240CFL or 1240CNR and 1240CFR are continuous and in line with eachother.

Each backcourt 40N or 40F is partly occupied with a rectangular annularVC IB SVLA BC area portion 1242N or 1242F consisting of four elongatedstraight VC LA BC area parts 1242EN, 1242SN, 1242BNL, and 1242BNR or1242EF, 1242SF, 1242BFL, and 1242BFR respectively lying fully alongcentral part 1232ENC or 1232EFC of (closest) baseline 28N or 28F,associated (closest) serviceline 34N or 34F and thus serviceline parts1232SNL and 1232SNR or 1232SFL and 1232SFR, part 1232BNL or 1232BFL ofsingles sideline 30L, and part 1232BNR or 1232BFR of singles sideline30R. VC BC portions 1242N and 1242F (collectively “1242”) are usuallysymmetrical about the court's longitudinal axis and mirror images aboutthe court's transverse axis.

Each SVLA BC part 1242SN or 1242SF consists of three elongated straightVC SVLA BC area parts (or subparts) 1242SNL, 1242SNC, and 1242SNR or1242SFL, 1242SFC, and 1242SFR respectively termed left end, central, andright end area parts. Each central SVLA BC part 1242SNC or 1242SFC liesfully along the segments of serviceline parts 1232SNL and 1232SNR or1232SFL and 1232SFR situated between imaginary extensions of the outsideedges of CLA SC parts 1240CNL and 1240CNR or 1240CFL and 1240CFR intobackcourt 40N or 40F. Each end SVLA BC part 1242SNL, 1242SNR, 1242SFL,or 1242SFR lies fully along the remainder of serviceline part 1232SNL,1232SNR, 1232SFL, or 1232SFR.

Each half alley 48NL, 48NR, 48FL, or 48FR is partly occupied with a␣-shaped individual near VC IB singles SLA HA area portion 1244NL,1244NR, 1244FL, or 1244FR consisting of four elongated straightindividual near VC LA HA area parts 1244DNL, 1244ENL, 1244BNL, and1244ANL, 1244DNR, 1244ENR, 1244BNR, and 1244ANR, 1244DFL, 1244EFL,1244BFL, and 1244AFL, or 1244DFR, 1244EFR, 1244BFR, and 1244AFR. VC HAportions 1244NL, 1244NR, 1244FL, and 1244FR (collectively “1244”) areusually mirror images about the court's longitudinal and transverseaxes. Near HA parts 1244DNL and 1244ENL or 1244DNR and 1244ENRrespectively lie fully along part 1232DNL or 1232DNR of (closest)doubles sideline 46L or 46R and end part 1232ENL or 1232ENR of near(closest) baseline 28N. Far HA parts 1244DFL and 1244EFL or 1244DFR and1244EFR respectively lie fully along part 1232DFL or 1232DFR of(closest) doubles sideline 46L or 46R and end part 1232EFL or 1232EFR offar (closest) baseline 28F.

Each left singles SLA HA part 1244ANL or 1244AFL lies fully along leftsingles sideline part 1232ANL or 1232AFL and the segment of left singlessideline part 1232BNL or 1232BFL situated between part 1232ANL or1232AFL and an imaginary leftward extension of the outside edge of SVLABC part 1242SN or 1242SF. Each right singles SLA HA part 1244ANR or1244AFR lies fully along right singles sideline part 1232ANR or 1232AFRand the segment of right singles sideline part 1232BNR or 1232BFRsituated between part 1232ANR or 1232AFR and an imaginary rightwardextension of the outside edge of BC part 1242SN or 1242SF. Each othersingles SLA HA part 1244BNL, 1244BNR, 1244BFL, or 1244BFR extends fullyalong the remainder of singles sideline part 1232BNL, 1232BNR, 1232BFL,or 1232BFR. Singles SLA HA parts 1244ANL and 1244BNL, 1244ANR and1244BNR, 1244AFL and 1244BFL, or 1244AFR and 1244BFR are continuous andin line with each other to form a straight VC singles SLA QC HA areapart 1244QNL, 1244QNR, 1244QFL, or 1244QFR lying fully along singlessideline part 1232QNL, 1232QNR, 1232QFL, or 1232QFR. SLA HA portions1244NL and 1244FL or 1244NR and 1244FR form a rectangular annularcomposite VC IB SLA alley area portion 1244L or 1244R in which doublesSLA HA parts 1244DNL and 1244DFL or 1244DNR and 1244DFR are continuousand in line with each other and in which singles SLA HA parts 1244ANLand 1244AFL or 1244ANR and 1244AFR are continuous and in line with eachother.

Doubles OB area 44 is partly occupied with two ␣-shaped individual VCdoubles OB BLA area portions 1246N and 1246F (collectively “1246”)together lying fully along baselines 28 and sidelines 30 on oppositerespective near and far sides of the net line so as to fully surrounddoubles IB area 42. VC OB portions 1246 are usually symmetrical aboutthe court's longitudinal axis and mirror images about the court'stransverse axis. Each doubles OB portion 1246N or 1246F consists of fiveelongated straight VC doubles OB LA area parts 1246DNL, 1246ENL,1246ENC, 1246ENR, and 1246DNR or 1246DFL, 1246EFL, 1246EFC, 1246EFR, and1246DFR.

Doubles OB parts 1246ENL, 1246ENC, and 1246ENR or 1246EFL, 1246EFC, and1246EFR, respectively termed left end, central, and right end BLA areaparts, are continuous and in line with one other to form a straightcomposite VC doubles OB BLA area part 1246EN or 1246EF. Central OB BLApart 1246ENC or 1246EFC lies fully along central baseline part 1232ENCor 1232EFC and the segments of end baseline parts 1232ENL and 1232ENR or1232EFL and 1232EFR situated between part 1232ENC or 1232EFC andimaginary extensions of the outside edges of singles SLA HA parts1244BNL and 1244BNR or 1244BFL and 1244BFR. Each end OB BLA part1246ENL, 1246ENR, 1246EFL, or 1246EFR lies fully along the remainder ofend baseline part 1232ENL, 1232ENR, 1232EFL, or 1232EFR.

Doubles OB part 1246DNL, 1246DNR, 1246DFL, or 1246DFR, termed a doublesSLA area part, lies fully along doubles sideline part 1232DNL, 1232DNR,1232DFL, or 1232DFR. OB portions 1246 form a rectangular annularcomposite VC doubles OB area portion 1246T in which doubles SLA parts1246DNL and 1246DFL or 1246DNR and 1246DFR are continuous and in linewith each other.

Each straight area part of each of VC court area portions 1240, 1242,1244, and 1246 embodies one or more units of SF zone 112 or 912 (of oneor more units of VC region 106 or 906) in the pentad units of colorregions 108, 106, 886, 906, and 908. It is immaterial whether each suchembodiment is performed with one or more units of zone 112 or with oneor more units of zone 912 because reference symbols “112” and “912” arearbitrary designators and do not affect the substance of theembodiments. For simplicity, each pentad of regions 108, 106, 886, 906,and 908 is hereafter treated as a pentad of consecutively adjoiningregions 108, 106, 886, 106, and 108. Each pair of adjoining regions 106and 108 are described as associated regions. As needed to distinguishthe two units of VC region 106 in each pentad, one of them isdenominated the “principal” (or “PP”) VC region while the other isdenominated the “further” (or “FR”) VC region otherwise identified withreference symbol 906. As needed to distinguish the two units of FCregion 108 in each pentad, region 108 adjoining “principal” region 106is denominated the “secondary” FC region while FC region 108 adjoining“further” region 106 is denominated the “ancillary” FC region otherwiseidentified with reference symbol 908.

Similarly, color SF zones 114, 112, 892, 912, and 914 in each regionpentad are hereafter treated as consecutively adjoining zones 114, 112,892, 112, and 114. Each pair of adjoining zones 112 and 114 aredescribed as associated color SF zones. As needed to distinguish the twounits of VC zone 112 in each pentad, zone 112 of “principal” VC region106 is denominated the “principal” VC SF zone while zone 112 of“further” region 106 is denominated the “further” VC SF zone otherwiseidentified with reference symbol 912. As needed to distinguish the twounits of FC zone 114, zone 114 of “secondary” FC region 108 isdenominated the “secondary” FC SF zone while zone 114 of “ancillary”region 108 is denominated the “ancillary” FC SF zone otherwiseidentified with reference symbol 914. Using this transformation, eachstraight part of each of VC court portions 1240, 1242, 1244, and 1246embodies an even number of two or more units of zone 112 (of one or moreunits of region 106) in the pentad units of color regions 108, 106, 886,106, and 108. For four or more units of zone 112, a straight part of anyportion 1240, 1242, 1244, or 1246 is allocated into multiple straightsegments, each embodying two units of zone 112 in a different one of thepentad units.

Each VC court portion 1240, 1242, 1244, or 1246 is usually of uniformcolor, termed normal-state LA color, across that portion 1240, 1242,1244, or 1246 during the normal state. PP color A for SF zone 112 ofeach pentad unit having zone 112 formed with a straight part, includinga straight segment of such a straight part, of each portion 1240, 1242,1244, or 1246 is then usually its normal-state LA color. There may bemultiple normal-state LA colors.

Changed color X for print area 118 of SF zone 112 of each pentad unithaving zone 112 formed with a straight part, including a straightsegment of such a straight part, of each VC court portion 1240, 1242,1244, or 1246 is a changed-state LA color for that portion 1240, 1242,1244, or 1246. There may be multiple changed-state LA colors.

VC region 886 is sometimes embodied differently in some pentad unitsthan in other pentad units usually provided that parts 1232, or/andstraight segments of parts 1232, forming each pair of lines 28, 30, 34,or 46 are embodied the same. In other words, each line part 1232 mayselectively embody each of its one or more units of SF zone 892 in itsone or more pentad units differently using a different unit of region886 than zone 892 in each other pentad unit usually provided that theoverall embodiment of the units of region 886 is symmetrical about thecourt's longitudinal and transverse axes. Since AD color B for zone 892is the same for every pentad unit, this situation usually arises whennon-color court characteristics, such as the AD basic TH impactcriteria, vary across VC line area 1232T.

The two units of VC region 106 in a pentad unit are sometimes embodieddifferently in some pentad units than in other pentad units. Thedifferent embodiments of the units of region 106 usually arise whencourt characteristics, such as normal-state LA color, changed-state LAcolor, and the PP TH impact characteristics, vary across VC courtportions 1240, 1242, 1244, and 1246. The embodiments of the units ofregion 106 are usually symmetrical about the court's longitudinal andtransverse axes for variations in the PP TH impact characteristicsacross portions 1240, 1242, 1244, and 1246.

The part of each servicecourt 38NL, 38NR, 38FL, or 38FR beyond its VC SCportion 1240NL, 1240NR, 1240FL, or 1240FR is a rectangular remainderindividual FC IB SC area part 1250NL, 1250NR, 1250FL, or 1250FRextending directly along LA SC parts 1240ANL, 1240SNL, and 1240CNL,1240ANR, 1240SNR, and 1240CNR, 1240AFL, 1240SFL, and 1240CFL, or1240AFR, 1240SFR, and 1240CFR. FC SC parts 1250NL and 1250FL or 1250NRor 1250FR in each pair of net-separated servicecourts 38NL and 38FL or38NR and 38FR form a rectangular composite FC IB SC area portion 1250Lor 1250R fully directly surrounded by composite SC portion 1240L or1240R. The part of each backcourt 40N or 40F beyond its annular VC BCportion 1242N or 1242F is a rectangular remainder individual FC IB BCarea part 1252N or 1252F fully directly surrounded by BC portion 1242Nor 1242F.

The part of each half alley 48NL, 48NR. 48FL, or 48FR beyond its VC HAportion 1244NL, 1244NR, 1244FL, or 1244FR is a rectangular remainderindividual FC doubles HA area part 1254NL, 1254NR, 1254FL, or 1254FRextending directly along LA HA 1244DNL, 1244ENL, and 1244QNL, 1244DNR,1244ENR, and 1244QNR, 1244DFL, 1244EFL, and 1244QFL, or 1244DFR,1244EFR, and 1244QFR. FC HA parts 1254NL and 1254FL or 1254NR and 1254FRin each pair of net-separated half alleys 48NL and 48FL or 48NR and 48FRform a rectangular composite FC IB alley area portion 1254L or 1254Rfully directly surrounded by composite HA portion 1244L or 1244R. Thepart of OB area 44 beyond VC OB portions 1246 is a rectangular annularremainder FC doubles OB area part 1256 which fully directly surroundsportions 1246. Each FC part 1250NL, 1250NR, 1250FL, 1250FR, 1252N,1252F, 1254NL, 1254NR, 1254FL, 1254FR, or 1256 is spaced apart from VCline area 1232T.

Each of FC SC parts 1250NL, 1250NR, 1250FL, and 1250FR (collectively“1250”), FC BC parts 1252N and 1252F (collectively “1252”), FC HA parts1254NL, 1254NR, 1254FL, and 1254FR (collectively “1254”), and FC doublesOB part 1256 embodies a unit of SF zone 114 (of FC region 108) in atleast three pentad units. For example, each BC part 1252N or 1252Fusually embodies four units of zone 114 in four pentad unitsrespectively containing four units of SF zone 112 of BC parts 1242EN,1242SN, 1242BNL, and 1242BNR or 1242EF, 1242SF, 1242BFL, and 1242BFR andpreferably embodies six units of zone 114 in six pentad unitsrespectively containing six units of zone 112 of BC parts 1242EN,1242SNL, 1242SNC, 1242SNR, 1242BNL, and 1242BNR or 1242EF, 1242SFL,1242SFC, 1242SFR, 1242BFL, and 1242BFR.

Each FC court part 1250, 1252, or 1254 is usually of uniform fixed coloracross that part 1250, 1252, or 1254. Secondary color A′ for SF zone 114of each pentad unit having zone 114 formed with a part 1250, 1252, or1254 is usually largely its fixed color. FC doubles OB part 1256 isusually of uniform fixed color at least along its entire (or full)interface with each VC OB portion 1246. Color A′ for zone 114 of eachpentad unit having zone 114 formed with OB part 1256 is usually largelyits fixed color at least along its entire interface with each OB portion1246. There may be multiple such fixed colors.

VC line area 1232T encompassing all lines 28, 30, 34, 36, and 46 isusually uniformly a single color, termed the normal-state line color andpreferably white or close to white, during the normal state consistentwith tennis rules. Since part of line area 1232T embodies SF zone 892 ineach pentad unit, AD color B for zone 892 in each pentad unit is usuallythe same color, preferably white or close to white, in all the pentadunits. Altered color Y for print area 898 in each pentad unit is usuallyuniformly a single color, materially different from color B, in all thepentad units. Color Y, termed the changed-state line color, cannonetheless variously differ from pentad unit to pentad unit.

PP normal-state LA color A for each VC SF zone 112 in each pentad unitis usually the same as secondary color A′ for associated FC SF zone 114in that pentad unit. Color A for VC court portion 1240, 1242, or 1244 ineach court area 38, 40, or 48H is usually largely the fixed color of itsFC part 1250, 1252, or 1254 so that each court area 38, 40, or 48H isusually uniformly a single color during the normal state. Color A for VCOB portion 1246 is usually largely the fixed color of FC OB part 1256 atleast along its entire interface with each OB portion 1246 so thatdoubles OB area 44 is usually uniformly a single color extending fromthe perimeter of IB area 42 through portions 1246 into OB part 1256during the normal state.

Per the court color specifications presented near the beginning of thissection, PP normal-state LA color A for each SF zone 112 in each pentadunit contrasts to, and thus differs significantly from, AD normal-stateline color B for VC line area 1232T whose parts 1232 or/and straightsegments of parts 1232 embody SF zones 892 in the pentad units. Color Afor zone 112 in each pentad unit selectively differs from, i.e.,significantly differs from or is the same as on a selective basis, colorA for zone 112 in one or more other pentad units. In particular, color Afor zone 112 in one or more pentad units having zone 112 formed with astraight part, or a straight segment of a straight part, of any of VCcourt portions 1240, 1242, 1244, and 1246 can differ from color A forzone 112 in one or more other pentad units having zone 112 formed with astraight part, or a straight segment of a straight part, of any ofportions 1240, 1242, 1244, and 1246. The pentad units in IP structure1230 can thus have multiple PP colors A. These colors can be designatedas first PP color A, second PP color A, and so on up to the total numberof colors A. If there are multiple changed colors X respectivelycorresponding to two or more of multiple colors A, the multiple colors Xcan be designated as first changed color X, second changed color X, andso on.

Other color designations can be employed. Since the VC portions of courtareas 38NL, 38NR, 38FL, 38FR, 40N, 40F, 48NL, 48NR, 49FL, 48FR, and 44in IP structure 1230 can potentially be of different colors during thenormal state, thirty-four color court-descriptive designations of thetype shown in Table 3 can be used where the parenthetical “{tilde over(_)}” means largely the same as.

TABLE 3 Changed Fixed (Changed- Secondary Principal state) Color ColorA′ (Normal-state) X of Print of FC Color A of VC Area of VC Court AreaArea Part Area Portion Area Portion Near left servicecourt 38NL FSNLASNL (≃FSNL) XSNL Near right servicecourt FSNR ASNR (≃FSNR) XSNR 38NRFar left servicecourt 38FL FSFL ASFL (≃FSFL) XSFL Far right servicecourtFSFR ASFR (≃FSFR) XSFR 38FR Near backcourt 40N FBN ABN (≃FBN) XBN Farbackcourt 40F FBF ABF (≃FBF) XBF Near left half alley 48NL FHNL AHNL(≃FHNL) XHNL Near right half alley 48NR FHNR AHNR (≃FHNR) XHNR Far lefthalf alley 48FL FHFL AHFL (≃FHFL) XHFL Far right half alley 48FR FHFRAHFR (≃FHFR) XHFR OB area 44 along the part FOB AOB (≃FOB) XOBN of theperimeter of IB area 42 in the near half court OB area 44 along the partFOB AOB (≃FOB) XOBF of the perimeter of IB area 42 in the far half court

PP normal-state color A for the VC LA portion of each area 38NL, 38NR,38FL, 38FR, 40N, 40F, 48NL, 48NR, 48FL, or 48FR is usually largely fixedsecondary color A′ of that area's FC portion as indicatedparenthetically in Table 3. The same applies to OB area 44 along largelythe full perimeter of IB area 42 because VC doubles OB portions 1246both adjoin FC doubles OB part 1256. However, OB portions 1246 can havedifferent changed colors X as indicated by colors XOBN and XOBF in Table3. AD color B for VC line area 1232T is designated as normal-state linecolor BL. Altered color Y for print area 898 in each unit of AD VCregion 886 in line area 1232T is designated as changed-state line colorYL.

A ball impacting an appropriate tennis line is “in”. The area criticalto determining whether a ball is “in” or “out” is an area along the“outside” edge of each tennis line. The outside edge of each line 28,30, 34, or 46 is the edge furthest from the center of the court. Eitheredge of centerline 36 constitutes its outside edge depending on wheretennis service originates.

In view of the preceding, SVLA BC parts 1242SN and 1242SF (collectively“1242S”) are usually wider than SVLA SC parts 1240SNL, 1240SNR, 1240SFL,and 1240SFR (collectively “1240S”), e.g., by amounts of at least thewidths of servicelines 34. Singles SLA HA parts 1244QNL, 1244QNR,1244QFL, and 1244QFR (collectively “1244Q”) are usually wider thansingles SLA SC parts 1240ANL, 1240ANR, 1240AFL, and 1240AFR(collectively “1240A”) and singles SLA BC parts 1242BNL, 1242BNR,1242BFL, and 1242BFR (collectively “1242B”), e.g., by amounts of atleast the widths of singles sidelines 30. OB BLA parts 1246EN and 1246EF(collectively “1246E”) are usually wider than BLA BC parts 1242EN and1242EF (collectively “1242E”) and BLA HA parts 1244ENL, 1244ENR,1244EFL, and 1244EFR (collectively “1244E”), e.g., by amounts of atleast the widths of baselines 28. Doubles OB SLA parts 1246DNL, 1246DNR,1246DFL, and 1246DFR (collectively “1246D”) are usually wider thandoubles SLA HA parts 1244DNL, 1244DNR, 1244DFL, and 1244DFR(collectively “1244D”), e.g., by amounts of at least the widths ofdoubles sidelines 46. CLA SC parts 1240CNL, 1240CNR, 1240CFL, and1240CFR (collectively “1240C”) are usually of approximately the samewidth.

Taking note that tennis lines are usually 5 cm wide with baselines being5-10 cm wide, commonly 10 cm wide, wider SVLA BC parts 1242S, widersingles SLA HA parts 1244Q, and wider doubles OB SLA parts 1246D areusually at least 10 cm, preferably at least 15 cm, more preferably atleast 20 cm, wide. Wider OB BLA parts 1246E and CLA SC parts 1240C areusually at least 15 cm, preferably at least 20 cm, more preferably atleast 25 cm, wide. Narrower SVLA SC parts 1240S, narrower singles SLA SCparts 1240A, narrower singles SLA BC parts 1242B, narrower doubles SLAHA parts 1244D, narrower BLA BC parts 1242E, and narrower BLA HA parts1244E are correspondingly usually at least 5 cm, preferably at least 10cm, more preferably at least 15 cm, wide.

Players competing in, and any officials used for, tennis matches usuallycan nearly always accurately directly visually determine, i.e., withoutusing the present CC capability, whether balls impacting surface 102more than 30 cm outside, or more than 25 cm inside, any of lines 30, 34,and 46 are “in” or “out”. Accordingly, wider LA parts 1242S, 1244Q, and1246D are usually no more than 30 cm, preferably no more than 25 cm,wide. Narrower LA parts 1240S, 1240A, 1242B, 1244D, 1242E, and 1244E arecorrespondingly usually no more than 25 cm, preferably no more than 20cm, wide. The players and any officials can usually nearly alwaysaccurately directly visually determine whether balls impacting surface102 more than 35 cm outside baselines 28 are “in” or “out”. The sameapplies to served balls impacting surface 102 more than 35 cm away fromcenterline 36. LA parts 1246E and 1240C are usually no more than 35 cm,preferably no more than 30 cm, wide.

Balls impacting on or close to sidelines 30 and 46 near net 32 tend toimpact surface 102 with less force than balls impacting on or close tolines 30 and 46 farther away from net 32. In light of this, the PP, AD,FR, and CP basic TH impact criteria can vary with distance from net 32to require less force or pressure near net 32, e.g., less than a quarterway from net 32 to baselines 28, than farther away from net 32, the FRbasic TH impact criteria hereafter being replaced with PP basic THimpact criteria for the same reasons that color regions 906 and 908 inthe pentad units are respectively replaced with color regions 106 and108.

IP structure 1230 is relatively expensive because it provides CCcapability at and directly along both edges of the entire length of eachline 28, 30, 34, 36, or 46. However, only a small fraction of ballsimpacting on or close to tennis lines usually impact the half ofcenterline 36 nearest net 32 during tennis service, the quarter of eachsingles sideline 30 nearest net 32 during singles, or the quarter ofeach doubles sideline 46 nearest net 32 during doubles. A less expensiveimplementation of the present tennis IP structure is achieved byomitting the CC capability along the foregoing parts of centerline 36and sidelines 30 and 46. Since the area critical to determining whethera ball impacting on or close to each line 28, 30, 34, or 46 is “in” or“out” extends along its outside edge, a less expensive implementation isalso achieved by omitting the CC capability along the inside edge ofeach line 28, 30, 34, or 46.

FIG. 97 illustrates a tennis IP structure 1260 consisting of net 32 andOI structures 880 and 900 or, preferably, cell-containing OI structures1080 and 1100 incorporated in the foregoing way into a tennis courtsuitable for singles and doubles to form a tennis-playing structurehaving CC capability that assists in determining whether object 104embodied with a ball impacting surface 102 in the immediate vicinity ofa selected court line is “in” or “out”. For doubles, surface 102 againconsists of OB area 44 and IB area 42 formed with servicecourts 38NL,38NR, 38FL, and 38FR, backcourts 40N and 40F, half alleys 48NL, 48NR,48FL, and 48FR, and court lines consisting of baselines 28N and 28F,singles sidelines 30L and 30R, servicelines 34N and 34F, centerline 36,and doubles sidelines 46L and 46R all identified the same as in IPstructure 1230.

Portions of court lines 28, 30, 34, 36, and 46 form a composite VCsingles/doubles line area 1262T consisting of near and far VCsingles/doubles line area 1262N and 1262F respectively in the near andfar half courts. Each VC singles/doubles line area 1262N or 1262Fconsists of twelve elongated straight continuous VC line area parts1262ENL, 1262ENC, 1262ENR, 1262SNL, 1262SNR, 1262ANL, 1262BNL, 1262ANR,1262BNR, 1262CN, 1262DNL, and 1262DNR or 1262EFL, 1262EFC, 1262EFR,1262SFL, 1262SFR, 1262AFL, 1262BFL, 1262AFR, 1262BFR, 1262CF, 1262DFL,and 1262DFR (collectively “1262”). VC line parts 1262ENL, 1262ENC, and1262ENR respectively lying fully along the near ends of half alley 48NL,backcourt 40N, and half alley 48NR form near baseline 28N. VC line parts1262EFL, 1262EFC, and 1262EFR respectively lying fully along the farends of half alley 48FL, backcourt 40F, and half alley 48FR form farbaseline 28F. VC line parts 1262SNL and 1262SNR or 1262SFL and 1262SFRrespectively lying fully along servicecourts 38NL and 38NR or 38FL and38FR and jointly lying fully along backcourt 40N or 40F form serviceline34N or 34F.

VC line part 1262BNL or 1262BFL lying between backcourt 40N or 40F andleft half alley 48NL or 48FL forms the part of left singles sideline 30Lextending from baseline 28N or 28F to serviceline 34N or 34F. VC linepart 1262BNR or 1262BFR lying between backcourt 40N or 40F and righthalf alley 48NR or 48FR forms the part of right singles sideline 30Rextending from baseline 28N or 28F to serviceline 34N or 34F. VC linepart 1262ANL or 1262AFL lying between left servicecourt 38NL or 38FL andleft half alley 48NL or 48FL forms a part of left singles sideline 30Lextending from serviceline 34N or 34F to a selected left singlessideline location situated between (or spaced apart from) line 34N or34F and the net line. VC line part 1262ANR or 1262AFR lying betweenright servicecourt 38NR or 38FR and right half alley 48NR or 48FR formsa part of right singles sideline 30R extending from serviceline 34N or34F to a selected right singles sideline location situated between line34N or 34F and the net line. Singles sideline parts 1262ANL and 1262BNL,1262ANR and 1262BNR, 1262AFL and 1262BFL, or 1262AFR and 1262BFR form astraight VC QC singles sideline area part 1262QNL, 1262QNR, 1262QFL, or1262QFR.

VC line part 1262CN or 1262CF lying between servicecourts 38NL and 38NRor 38FL and 38FR forms a part of centerline 36 extending fromserviceline 34N or 34F to a selected centerline location situatedbetween line 34N or 34F and the net line. VC line part 1262DNL or1262DFL lying between left half alley 48NL or 48FL and doubles OB area44 forms a part of left doubles sideline 46L extending from baseline 28Nor 28F to a selected left doubles sideline location situated betweenline 28N or 28F and the net line. VC line part 1262DNR or 1262DFR lyingbetween right half alley 48NR or 48FR and OB area 44 forms a part ofright doubles sideline 46R extending from baseline 28N or 28F to aselected right doubles sideline location situated between line 28N or28F and the net line.

The selected singles sideline, centerline, and doubles sidelinelocations in each half court are usually from one fourth to threefourths of the distance from the imaginary extended serviceline in thathalf court to the net line. VC line area 1262T is spaced apart from thenet line. Each individual VC line area 1262N or 1262F in the example ofFIG. 97 consists of baseline 28N or 28F, associated serviceline 34N or34F, approximately the three eighths of sidelines 30 and 46 extendingfrom baseline 28N or 28F toward the net line, and approximately the onefourth of centerline 36 extending from serviceline 34N or 34F toward thenet line. Line area 1262T is usually symmetrical about the court'slongitudinal and transverse axes.

The remainders of sidelines 30 and 46 and centerline 36 form an FCsingles/doubles line area 1264T consisting of near and far FCsingles/doubles line areas 1264N and 1264F respectively in the near andfar half courts. Each FC singles/doubles line area 1264N or 1264Fconsists of five elongated straight continuous individual FC line areaparts 1264ANL, 1264ANR, 1264CN, 1264DNL, and 1264DNR or 1264AFL,1264AFR, 1264CF, 1264DFL, and 1264DFR. Line parts 1264ANL and 1264AFL or1264ANR and 1264AFR form a continuous straight composite FC line areapart 1264AL or 1264AR constituting the remainder of singles sideline 30Lor 30R. Line parts 1264CN and 1264CF form a continuous straightcomposite FC line area part 1264C constituting the remainder ofcenterline 36. Line parts 1264DNL and 1264DFL or 1264DNR and 1264DFRform a continuous straight composite FC line area part 1264DL or 1264DRconstituting the remainder of doubles sideline 46L or 46R.

Each VC line area part 1262 embodies one or more units of SF zone 892(of one or more units of VC region 886) in a plurality of larger unitsof a specified one of OI structures 880 and 1080 or 900 and 1100. In themultiple-unit situation, a line part 1262 is allocated into multiplestraight VC area segments, each embodying a unit of zone 892 in adifferent one of the larger units. AD color B for zone 892 in eachlarger unit is the color of VC line area 1262T during the normal stateand, as dealt with below, is usually the same in every larger unit.Inasmuch as line area 1262T and FC line area 1264T form the total linearea consisting of lines 28, 30, 34, 36, and 46, the fixed color of linearea 1264T is usually largely color B.

Each larger unit containing baseline part 1262ENL, 1262ENC, 1262ENR,1262EFL, 1262EFC, or 1262EFR, serviceline part 1262SNL, 1262SNR,1262SFL, or 1262SFR, sideline part 1262BNL, 1262BNR, 1262BFL, or1262BFR, or a straight segment of any of these line parts, is a tetradof color regions 108, 106, 886, and 888 for which subordinate FC region888 appears solely as single subordinate color B′ along subordinate SFzone 894 in that tetrad unit. If sideline part 1262ANL, 1262ANR,1262AFL, 1262AFR, 1262DNL, 1262DNR, 1262DFL, or 1262DFR is allocatedinto multiple straight segments, this also applies to each segmentspaced apart from FC line area 1264T. Each of these tetrad unitsconstitutes a single-sub tetrad unit where “sub” means subordinate.

A larger unit containing sideline part 1262ANL, 1262ANR, 1262AFL,1262AFR, 1262DNL, 1262DNR, 1262DFL, or 1262DFR when it is not allocatedinto multiple straight segments is a tetrad of color regions 108, 106,886, and 888 for which subordinate FC region 888 consists of twosubordinate FC subregions respectively appearing as two differentsubordinate colors B′ along two respective subordinate FC SF subzones ofsubordinate SF zone 894 in that tetrad unit. If sideline part 1262ANL,1262ANR, 1262AFL, 1262AFR, 1262DNL, 1262DNR, 1262DFL, or 1262DFR isallocated into multiple straight segments, the same applies to thesegment adjoining FC line area 1264T. Each of these tetrad unitsconstitutes a double-sub tetrad unit, “sub” again meaning subordinate.The single-sub and double-sub tetrad units provide the same CCcapability because they differ only in regard to the constituency of anFC region, namely region 888.

Subordinate color B′ of FC SF zone 894 in each single-sub tetrad unit istermed FC non-line subordinate color B′ because it is the color of FCcourt area beyond FC line area 1264T. Subordinate color B′ of one of thesubzones of zone 894 in each double sub tetrad unit is likewise termedFC non-line subordinate color B′ because it also is the color of FCcourt area beyond line area 1264T. Subordinate color B′ of other of thesubzones of zone 894 in each double sub tetrad unit is termed FC linesubordinate color B′ because it is the color of area 1264T. Since area1264T is usually largely color B, FC line subordinate color B′ isusually largely color B.

Each larger unit containing one of centerline parts 1262CN and 1262CF(collectively “1262C”) when it is not allocated into multiple straightsegments is a hexad of color regions 108, 106, 886, 888, 906, and 908for which FC region 888 consists of straight part 1264C of FC line area1264T at centerline 36. For the reasons presented above in regard to thepentad units in IP structure 1230, each hexad unit of regions 108, 106,886, 888, 906, and 908 is hereafter treated as a hexad unit of regions108, 106, 886, 888, 106, and 108 respectively having SF zones 114, 112,892, 894, 112, and 114. The above-described procedure for distinguishingthe two units of VC region 106, or their two zones 112, for each pentadunit is used as necessary for each hexad unit of regions 108, 106, 886,888, 106, and 108.

If a centerline part 1262C is allocated into multiple straight segments,a larger unit containing the segment adjoining FC line area 1264T is ahexad of color regions 108, 106, 886, 888, 106, and 108 for which FCregion 888 again consists of FC centerline part 1264C whereas a largerunit containing each segment spaced apart from line area 1264T is apentad of color regions 108, 106, 886, 906, and 908 hereafter treated asa pentad of regions 108, 106, 886, 106, and 108 as described above forIP structure 1230. Subordinate color B′ of SF zone 894 of region 888 ineach hexad unit is termed FC line subordinate color B′ because it islargely AD color B of centerline part 1264C embodying that unit of zone894. The hexad and pentad units provide the same CC capability becausethey differ only in regard to the presence/absence of an FC region,again region 888. The hexad and pentad units are sometimes togethertermed hexad/pentad units.

Each near servicecourt 38NL or 38NR is partly occupied with an elongatedstraight near VC IB CLA SC area portion (or part) 1270NL or 1270NR lyingfully along near centerline part 1262CN so as to end at its selectedcenterline location. Each far servicecourt 38FL or 38FR is partlyoccupied with an elongated straight far VC IB CLA SC area portion (orpart) 1270FL or 1270FR lying fully along far centerline part 1262CF soas to end at its selected centerline location. VC SC portions 1270NL,1270NR, 1270FL, and 1270FR (collectively “1270”) are usually mirrorimages about the court's longitudinal and transverse axes.

Each backcourt 40N or 40F is partly occupied with an elongated straightfull VC IB SVLA BC area portion (or part) 1272N or 1272F lying fullyalong (closest) serviceline 34N or 34F so as to end at singles sidelines30. VC BC portions 1272N and 1272F (collectively “1272”) are usuallysymmetrical about the court's longitudinal axis and mirror images aboutthe court's transverse axis.

Each BC portion 1272N or 1272F consists of three elongated straight VCSVLA BC area parts 1272SNL, 1272SNC, and 1272SNR or 1272SFL, 1272SFC,and 1272SFR respectively termed left end, central, and right end areaparts. Each central SVLA BC part 1272SNC or 1272SFC lies fully along thesegments of serviceline parts 1262SNL and 1262SNR or 1262SFL and 1262SFRsituated between imaginary extensions of the outside edges of CLA SCportions 1270 into backcourt 40N or 40F. Each end SVLA BC part 1272SNL,1272SNR, 1272SFL, or 1272SFR lies fully along the remainder ofserviceline part 1262SNL, 1262SNR, 1262SFL, or 1262SFR.

Each near half alley 48NL or 48NR is partly occupied with an elongatedstraight near VC IB singles SLA HA area portion (or part) 1274NL or1274NR lying fully along parts 1262BNL and 1262ANL or 1262BNR and1262ANR of (closest) singles sideline 30L or 30R so as to end at theselected singles sideline location of sideline part 1262BNL or 1262BNR.Each far half alley 48FL or 48FR is partly occupied with an elongatedstraight far VC IB singles SLA HA area portion (or part) 1274FL or1274FR lying fully along parts 1262BFL and 1262AFL or 1262BFR and1262AFR of (closest) singles sideline 30L or 30R so as to end at theselected singles sideline location of sideline part 1262BFL or 1262BFR.VC singles HA portions 1274NL, 1274NR, 1274FL, and 1274FR (collectively“1274”) are usually mirror images about the court's longitudinal andtransverse axes.

Each HA portion 1274NL, 1274NR, 1274FL, or 1274FR consists of twoelongated straight VC singles SLA HA area parts 1274ANL and 1274BNL,1274ANR and 1274BNR, 1274AFL and 1274BFL, or 1274AFR and 1274BFR. Eachleft singles SLA HA part 1274ANL or 1274AFL lies fully along leftsideline part 1262ANL or 1262AFL and the segment of left sideline part1262BNL or 1262BFL situated between part 1262ANL or 1262AFL and animaginary leftward extension of the outside edge of SVLA BC portion1272N or 1272F. Each right singles SLA HA part 1274ANR or 1274AFR liesfully along right sideline part 1262ANR or 1262AFR and the segment ofright sideline part 1262BNR or 1262BFR situated between part 1262ANR or1262AFR and an imaginary rightward extension of the outside edge of BCportion 1272N or 1272F. Each other singles SLA HA part 1274BNL, 1274BNR,1274BFL, or 1274BFR lies fully along the remainder of sideline part1262BNL, 1262BNR, 1262BFL, or 1262BFR.

Doubles OB area 44 is partly occupied with two ␣-shaped individual VCdoubles OB BLA area portions 1276N and 1276F on opposite sides of thenet line so as to form a composite VC doubles OB area portion 1276T. VCOB portions 1276N and 1276F (collectively “1276”) are usuallysymmetrical about the court's longitudinal axis and mirror images aboutthe court's transverse axis. Each doubles OB portion 1276N or 1276Fconsists of five elongated straight VC doubles OB LA area parts 1276DNL,1276ENL, 1276ENC, 1276ENR, and 1276DNR or 1276DFL, 1276EFL, 1276EFC,1276EFR, and 1276DFR. Doubles OB part 1276DNL, 1276DFL, 1276DNR, or1276DFR, termed a doubles SLA area part, lies fully along doublessideline part 1262DNL, 1262DFL, 1262DNR, or 1262DFR so as to end at itsselected doubles sideline location.

Doubles OB parts 1276ENL, 1276ENC, and 1276ENR or 1276EFL, 1276EFC, and1276EFR, respectively termed left end, central, and right end areaparts, are continuous and in line with one other to form a straightcomposite VC doubles OB BLA area part 1276EN or 1276EF. Central OB BLApart 1276ENC or 1276EFC lies fully along central baseline part 1262ENCor 1262EFC and the segments of end baseline parts 1262ENL and 1262ENR or1262EFL and 1262EFR situated between part 1262ENC or 1262EFC andimaginary extensions of the outside edges of singles SLA HA parts1274BNL and 1274BNR or 1274BFL and 1274BFR. Each end OB BLA part1276ENL, 1276ENR, 1276EFL, or 1276EFR lies fully along the remainder ofend baseline part 1262ENL, 1262ENR, 1262EFL, or 1262EFR.

Each VC SC portion 1270 embodies one or more units of VC SF zone 112 (ofone or more units of VC region 106) in the hexad/pentad units. In themultiple-unit situation, an SC portion 1270 is allocated into multiplestraight area segments, each embodying a unit of zone 112 in a differentone of the hexad/pentad units. Each straight part of each of VC courtportions 1272, 1274, and 1276 embodies one or more units of zone 112 inthe tetrad units. In this multiple-unit situation, a straight part ofany court portion 1272, 1274, or 1276 is allocated into multiplestraight area segments, each embodying a unit of zone 112 in a differentone of the tetrad units.

Each VC court portion 1270, 1272, 1274, or 1276 is usually of uniformcolor, termed normal-state LA color, across that portion 1270, 1272,1274, or 1276 during the normal state. PP Color A for SF zone 112 ofeach hexad/pentad unit in each SC portion 1270 is then usually itsnormal-state LA color. Color A for zone 112 of each tetrad unit in eachcourt portion 1272, 1274, or 1276 is usually its normal-state LA color.Also, OB portions 1276 are usually the same color during the normalstate so that color A is usually the same for zone 112 of every tetradunit in portions 1276. IP structure 1260 may have multiple normal-stateLA colors.

Changed color X for print area 118 of SF zone 112 of each hexad/pentadunit in each SC portion 1270 is a changed-state LA color of that SCportion 1270. Color X for area 118 of zone 112 of each tetrad unit ineach court portion 1272, 1274, or 1276 is a changed-state LA color ofthat portion 1272, 1274, or 1276. Color X is usually the same for area118 of zone 112 of every tetrad unit in OB portions 1276. IP structure1260 may have multiple changed-state LA colors.

The tetrad and hexad/pentad units are collectively termed “polyadunits”. Subject to changing VC line area 1232T to VC line area 1262T, VCregion 886 is sometimes embodied differently in some polyad units thanin other polyad units in the same way that region 886 in IP structure1230 is sometimes embodied differently in some pentad units than inother pentad units. Subject to changing VC court portions 1240, 1242,1244, and 1246 respectively to VC court portions 1270, 1272, 1274, and1276, the one or two units of VC region 106 in a polyad unit aresometimes embodied differently in some polyad units than in other polyadunits in the same way that the two units of region 106 in a pentad unitin structure 1230 are sometimes embodied differently in some pentadunits than in other pentad units.

The part of each servicecourt 38NL, 38NR, 38FL, or 38FR beyond its VC SCportion 1270NL, 1270NR, 1270FL, or 1270FR is a roughly rectangularremainder individual FC IB SC area part 1280NL, 1280NR, 1280FL, or1280FR adjoining the entire outside edge of SC portion 1270NL, 1270NR,1270FL, or 1270FR. FC SC parts 1280NL and 1280FL or 1280NR and 1280FR ineach pair of net-separated servicecourts 38NL and 38FL or 38NR and 38FRform a continuous roughly rectangular composite FC IB SC area portion1280L or 1280R. The part of each backcourt 40N or 40F beyond its VC BCportion 1272N or 1272F is a rectangular remainder individual FC IB BCarea part 1282N or 1282F adjoining the entire outside edge of BC portion1272N or 1272F.

The part of each half alley 48NL, 48NR. 48FL, or 48FR beyond its VC HAportion 1274NL, 1274NR, 1274FL, or 1274FR is a roughly rectangularremainder individual FC doubles IB HA area part 1284NL, 1284NR, 1284FL,or 1284FR adjoining the entire outside edge of HA portion 1274NL,1274NR, 1274FL, or 1274FR. FC doubles IB HA parts 1284NL and 1284FL or1284NR and 1284FR in each pair of net-separated half alleys 48NL and48FL or 48NR and 48FR form a continuous roughly rectangular FC doublesIB alley area portion 1284L or 1284R. The part of OB area 44 beyond VCOB portions 1276 is a roughly rectangular annular remainder FC doublesOB area part 1286 fully adjoining the outside edges of portions 1276.

Each FC SC part 1280NL, 1280NR, 1280FL, or 1280FR embodies a unit of FCSF zone 894 (of FC region 888) in at least one single-sub tetrad unit(lying along serviceline part 1262SNL, 1262SNR, 1262SFL, or 1262SFR andpotentially along at least one straight segment of singles sideline part1262ANL, 1262ANR, 1262AFL, or 1262AFR spaced apart from FC singlessideline part 1264ANL, 1264ANR, 1264AFL, or 1264AFR) and partly in atleast one double-sub tetrad unit (lying either along part 1262ANL,1262ANR, 1262AFL, or 1262AFR or along a straight segment of part1262ANL, 1262ANR, 1262AFL, or 1262AFR adjoining part 1264ANL, 1264ANR,1264AFL, or 1264AFR) as well as embodying a unit of FC SF zone 114 (ofFC region 108) in at least one hexad unit (lying either along acenterline part 1262C or along a straight segment of a part 1262Cadjoining FC centerline part 1264C). If VC SC portion 1270NL, 1270FL,1270NR, or 1270FR is allocated into multiple straight segments, each FCSC part 1280NL, 1280NR, 1280FL, or 1280FR also embodies a unit of zone114 in at least one pentad unit (lying along a straight segment of apart 1262C spaced apart from part 1264C).

Each FC BC part 1282N or 1282F embodies a unit of SF zone 114 in atleast two single-sub tetrad units (lying along serviceline parts 1262SNLand 1262SNR or 1262SFL and 1262SFR) and a unit of SF zone 894 in atleast three single-sub tetrad units (lying along baseline part 1262BN or1262BF and singles sideline parts 1262BNL and 1262BNR or 1262BFL and1262BFR).

Each FC HA part 1284NL, 1284NR, 1284FL, or 1284FR embodies a unit of SFzone 114 in at least one single-sub tetrad unit (lying along singlessideline part 1262BNL, 1262BNR, 1262BFL, or 1262BFR and potentiallyalong at least one straight segment of singles sideline part 1262ANL,1262ANR, 1262AFL, or 1262AFR spaced apart from FC singles sideline part1264ANL, 1264ANR, 1264AFL, or 1264AFR) and in at least one double-subtetrad unit (lying either along part 1262ANL, 1262ANR, 1262AFL, or1262AFR or along a straight segment of part 1262ANL, 1262ANR, 1262AFL,or 1262AFR adjoining FC part 1264ANL, 1264ANR, 1264AFL, or 1264AFR) aswell as embodying a unit of SF zone 894 in at least one single-subtetrad unit (lying along baseline part 1262ENL, 1262ENR, 1262EFL, or1262EFR and potentially along at least one straight segment of doublessideline part 1262DNL, 1262DNR, 1262DFL, or 1262DFR spaced apart from FCdoubles sideline part 1264DNL, 1264DNR, 1264DFL, or 1264DFR) and partlyin at least one double-sub tetrad unit (lying either along part 1262DNL,1262DNR, 1262DFL, or 1262DFR or along a straight segment of part1262DNL, 1262DNR, 1262DFL, and 1262DFR adjoining FC part 1264DNL,1264DNR, 1264DFL, or 1264DFR).

FC doubles OB part 1286 embodies a unit of SF zone 114 in at least sixsingle-sub tetrad units (lying along baseline parts 1262ENL, 1262ENC,1262ENR, 1262EFL, 1262EFC, and 1262EFR and potentially along straightsegments of doubles sideline parts 1262DNL, 1262DNR, 1262DFL, and1262DFR respectively spaced apart from FC doubles sideline parts1264DNL, 1264DNR, 1264DFL, and 1264DFR) and partly in at least fourdouble-sub tetrad units (lying either along parts 1262DNL, 1262DNR,1262DFL, and 1262DFR or along straight segments of parts 1262DNL,1262DNR, 1262DFL, and 1262DFR respectively adjoining FC parts 1264DNL,1264DNR, 1264DFL, and 1264DFR).

More particularly, the two subzones of SF zone 894 in each double-subtetrad unit are respectively embodied with (i) FC SC part 1280NL,1280NR, 1280FL, or 1280FR and FC singles sideline part 1264ANL, 1264ANR,1264AFL, or 1264AFR or with (ii) FC alley part 1284NL, 1284NR, 1284FL,or 1284FR and FC doubles sideline part 1264DNL, 1264DNR, 1264DFL, or1264DFR. The two SF zones 114 in each hexad/pentad unit are respectivelyembodied with FC SC parts 1280NL and 1280NR or 1280FL and 1280FR. Also,zones 114 and 894 in each single-sub tetrad unit are variouslyrespectively embodied with the two parts of one of a plurality ofdifferent pairs of different ones of FC SC parts 1280NL, 1280NR, 1280FL,and 1280FR (collectively “1280”), FC BC parts 1282N and 1282F(collectively “1282”), FC HA parts 1284NL, 1284NR, 1284FL, and 1284FR(collectively “1284”), and FC doubles OB part 1286. The pairs consist of(a) either SC part 1280 and associated (closest) BC part 1282, (b)either SC part 1280 and closest HA part 1284, (c) either BC part 1282and either associated (closest) HA part 1284, (d) either BC part 1282and OB part 1286, and (e) either HA part 1284 and OB part 1286.

Each FC court part 1280, 1282, or 1284 is usually of uniform fixed coloracross that part 1280, 1282, or 1284. Consequently, FC non-linesubordinate color B′ for SF zone 894 of each single-sub tetrad unithaving zone 894 formed with a court part 1280 or 1284 is usually largelyits fixed color. FC non-line subordinate color B′ for the subzone ofzone 894 of each double-sub tetrad unit having that subzone formed witha court part 1280 or 1284 is also usually largely its fixed color. FCline subordinate color B′ for the subzone of zone 894 of each double-subtetrad unit having that subzone formed with one of FC sideline parts1264ANL, 1264ANR, 1264AFL, and 1264AFR (collectively “1264A”) or1264DNL, 1264DNR, 1264DFL, and 1264DFR (collectively “1264D”) is usuallylargely color B. FC line subordinate color B′ for zone 894 of each hexadunit having SF zone 114 formed with an SC part 1280 is usually largelycolor B.

Secondary color A′ for SF zone 114 of each hexad/pentad unit having zone114 formed with an SC part 1280 is usually largely its fixed color.Color A′ or FC non-line subordinate color B′ for SF zone 114 or 894 ofeach single-sub tetrad unit having zone 114 or 894 formed with a BC part1282 is usually largely its fixed color. Color A′ for zone 114 of eachsingle-sub tetrad unit having zone 114 formed with an HA part 1284 isusually largely its fixed color. Doubles OB part 1286 is usually ofuniform fixed color at least along its entire interface with each VC OBportion 1276. Color A′ for zone 114 of each of the tetrad units, i.e.,both single-sub and double-sub tetrad units, having zone 114 formed withOB part 1286 is usually largely its fixed color at least along itsentire interface with each VC OB portion 1276. IP structure 1260 mayhave multiple such fixed colors.

VC line area 1262T is usually uniformly a single color, the normal-stateline color preferably white or nearly white, during the normal stateconsistent with tennis rules. Since part of line area 1262T embodies SFzone 892 in each polyad unit, AD color B for zone 892 in each polyadunit is usually the same color, preferably white or close to white, inall the polyad units. This also applies to color B′ of FC line area1264T. Altered color Y for print area 898 of zone 892 in each polyadunit is usually uniformly a single color, the changed-state line colormaterially different from color B, in all the polyad units. Color Y cannonetheless variously differ from polyad unit to polyad unit.

PP normal-state color A for each VC SF zone 112 in each polyad unit isusually the same as secondary color A′ for associated FC SF zone 114 inthat polyad unit. Color A for VC portion 1270, 1272, or 1274 in eachcourt area 38, 40, or 48H is usually largely the fixed color of its FCpart 1280, 1282, or 1284 so that each court area 38, 40, or 48H isusually uniformly a single color during the normal state. Color A for VCOB portion 1276 is usually uniformly largely the fixed color of FC OBpart 1286 at least along its entire interfaces with OB portions 1276.

Per the above-described court color specifications, PP normal-state LAcolor A for each SF zone 112 in each polyad unit contrasts to, and thusdiffers significantly from, AD normal-state line color B for VC linearea 1262T whose parts 1262 or/and straight segments of parts 1262embody SF zones 892 in the polyad units. Color A for each zone 112 ineach polyad unit selectively differs from, i.e., significantly differsfrom or is the same on a selective basis as, color A for zone 112 in oneor more other polyad units. Specifically, color A for each zone 112 inone or more polyad units having zone 112 formed with any of an SCportion 1270, a straight segment of a portion 1270, a straight part(described above) of any of court portions 1272, 1274, and 1276, and astraight segment of a straight part of any of portions 1272, 1274, and1276 can differ from color A for zone 112 in one or more other polyadunits having zone 112 formed with any of a portion 1270, a straightsegment of a portion 1270, a straight part of any of portions 1272,1274, and 1276, and a straight segment of a straight part of any ofportions 1272, 1274, and 1276. The polyad units in IP structure 1260 canhave multiple PP colors A. These colors can be designated as first PPcolor A, second PP color A, and so on up to the total number of colorsA. If there are multiple changed colors X respectively corresponding totwo or more of multiple colors A, the multiple colors X can bedesignated as first changed color X, second changed color X, and so on.

Other color designations can be utilized. Since the VC portions of courtareas 38NL, 38NR, 38FL, 38FR, 40N, 40F, 48NL, 48NR, 48FL, 48FR, and 44in IP structure 1260 can potentially be of different colors during thenormal state, structure 1260 can use thirty-four color court-descriptivedesignations of the type shown in Table 3 provided that theparenthetical color headings in Table 3 are used, at least for the fixedcolors of the FC area parts, because the fixed colors are variouslyembodied with fixed secondary color A′ and non-line subordinate colorB′. AD color B for line area 1262T is designated as normal-state linecolor BL. Altered color Y for print area 898 in each unit of VC region886 in line area 1262T is designated as changed-state line color YL. Thefixed color, usually largely color B, of FC line area 1264T isdesignated as fixed line color FL.

SC portions 1270 and parts 1276EN and 1276EF (collectively “1276E”) ofOB portions 1276 along baselines 28 are usually at least 15 cm,preferably at least 20 cm, more preferably at least 25 cm, wide and areusually no more than 35 cm, preferably no more than 30 cm, wide. BCportions 1272, HA portions 1274, and parts 1276DNL, 1276DNR, 1276DFL,and 1276DFR (collectively “1276D”) of OB portions 1276 along doublessidelines 46 are usually at least 10 cm, preferably at least 15 cm, morepreferably at least 20 cm, wide and are usually no more than 30 cm,preferably no more than 25 cm, wide.

Singles/doubles tennis IP structures 1230 and 1260 are consideredlargely together in the following material.

The normal-state colors of VC court portions 1240, 1242, 1244, and 1246or 1270, 1272, 1274, or 1276 are the same in one embodiment of IPstructure 1230 or 1260. In another embodiment, the normal-state colorsof portions 1240, 1242, and 1244 or 1270, 1272, and 1274 are the sameand differ materially from the normal-state color of OB portions 1246 or1276. In a third embodiment, the normal-state colors of SC portions1240NL and 1240FR or 1270NL and 1270FR are a first color, thenormal-state colors of SC portions 1240NR and 1240FL or 1270NR and1270FL are a second color, the normal-state colors of BC portions 1242or 1272 are a third color, and the normal-state colors of HA portions1244 or 1274 are a fourth color where the four numbered colors differmaterially from one another and from the normal-state color of OBportions 1246 or 1276.

The changed-state color of SC portion 1240NL, 1240NR, 1240FL, or 1240FRcan selectively differ materially among SC parts 1240ANL, 1240SNL, and1240CNL, 1240ANR, 1240SNR, and 1240CNR, 1240AFL, 1240SFL, and 1240CFL,or 1240AFR, 1240SFR, and 1240CFR. The changed-state color of BC portion1242N or 1242F can selectively differ materially among BC parts 1242EN,1242SN, 1242BNL, and 1242BNR or 1242EF, 1242SF, 1242BFL, and 1242BFR.The changed-state color of HA portion 1244NL, 1244NR, 1244FL, or 1244FRcan selectively differ materially among HA parts 1244DNL, 1244ENL,1244BNL, and 1244ANL, 1244DNR, 1244ENR, 1244BNR, and 1244ANR, 1244DFL,1244EFL, 1244BFL, and 1244AFL, or 1244DFR, 1244EFR, 1244BFR, and1244AFR. The changed-state color of OB portion 1246N or 1246F canselectively differ materially among OB parts 1246DNL, 1246ENL, 1246ENC,1246ENR, and 1246DNR or 1246DFL, 1246EFL, 1246EFC, 1246EFR, and 1246DFR.Similarly, the changed-state color of OB portion 1276N or 1276F canselectively differ materially among OB parts 1276DNL, 1276ENL, 1276ENC,1276ENR, and 1276DNR or 1276DFL, 1276EFL, 1276EFC, 1276EFR, and 1276DFR.Changed-state line color YL can selectively differ materially from thechanged-state colors of VC court portions 1240, 1242, 1244, and 1246 or1270, 1272, 1274, and 1276.

Taking note of the above-described areas critical to making in/outdetermination on balls impacting at/near lines 28, 30, 34, 36, and 46,changed-state line color YL in a first embodiment of IP structure 1230or 1260 differs materially from the changed-state LA colors of CLA SCparts 1240C, SVLA BC parts 1242S, and singles SLA HA parts 1244ANL,1244ANR, 1244AFL, and 1244AFR (collectively “1244A”) or CLA SC portions1270, SVLA BC portions 1272, and singles SLA HA parts 1274ANL, 1274ANR,1274AFL, and 1274AFR (collectively “1274A”) for assisting an observer invisually making in/out determinations on object 104 embodied with aserved ball impacting at/near the outside edge of at least one ofcenterline 36, servicelines 34, and parts 1232ANL, 1232ANR, 1232AFL, and1232AFR (collectively “1232A”) or 1262ANL, 1262ANR, 1262AFL, and 1262AFR(collectively “1262A”) of singles sidelines 30. In a second embodiment,line color YL differs materially from the changed-state LA colors ofsingles SLA HA parts 1244Q and OB BLA parts 1246ENC and 1246EFC orsingle SLA HA portions 1274 and OB BLA parts 1276ENC and 1276EFC forassisting an observer in visually making in/out determinations on object104 embodied with a returned ball impacting at/near the outside edge ofone or more of singles sidelines 30 and parts 1232ENC and 1232EFC or1262ENC and 1262EFC of baselines 28 during singles. In a thirdembodiment, color YL differs from the changed-state LA colors of OB LAportions 1246 or 1276 for assisting an observer in visually makingin/out determinations on object 104 embodied with a returned ballimpacting at/near the outside edge of one or more of baselines 28 anddoubles sidelines 46 during doubles. A fourth embodiment has all thecolor differences of the second and third embodiments. A fifthembodiment has all the color differences of the first, second, and thirdembodiments.

IP structures 1230 and 1260 are now further described inthree-dimensional structural terminology adapted to tennis where colorregions 906 and 908 and color SF zones 912 and 914 are respectivelyreplaced with color regions 106 and 108 and color SF zones 112 and 114as described above. For this structural description, each VC linestructure consists of one or more units of AD VC region 886 extending tosurface 102 at a VC line area constituted with part or all of VC linearea 1232T or 1262T. Each other VC structure, i.e., each VC LAstructure, consists of one or more units of PP VC region 106 at acorresponding VC LA area. Each FC line structure consists of one or moreunits of subordinate FC region 888 extending to surface 102 at an FCline area. Each other FC structure consists of one or more units ofsecondary FC region 108 extending to surface 102 at a corresponding FCarea.

Each IP structure 1230 or 1260 consists, for singles, of total singlesIB structure and total singles OB structure extending to surface 102respectively at singles IB playing area 22 and singles OB playing area24. The total singles OB structure laterally surrounds the total singlesIB structure and adjoins it along its entire lateral boundary so that OBarea 24 surrounds IB area 22 and adjoins it along its entire perimeter.The total singles IB structure is formed with IB SC structure, singlesIB BC structure, and singles IB line structure.

The IB SC structure which extends to surface 102 at IB SC area formedwith servicecourts 38 consists of VC LA SC structure and FC SCstructure. The VC LA SC structure consists of four VC LA SC structureportions extending to surface 102 respectively at LA SC area portions1240 or 1270 that form VC LA SC area. The FC SC structure consists offour FC SC structure parts extending to surface 102 respectively at SCarea parts 1250 or 1280. The singles IB BC structure which extends tosurface 102 at singles IB BC area formed with backcourts 40 consists ofVC singles LA BC structure and FC singles BC structure. The VC singlesLA BC structure consists of two spaced-apart VC singles LA BC structureportions extending to surface 102 respectively at two spaced-apart VCsingles LA BC area portions, one for each half court, that form VCsingles LA BC area. Each VC singles LA BC area portion consists of an LABC area portion 1242 or 1272. The FC singles BC structure consists oftwo spaced-apart FC singles BC structure parts extending to surface 102respectively at BC area parts 1252 or 1282.

The singles IB line structure extends to surface 102 at singles IB linearea formed with singles sidelines 30, servicelines 34, centerline 36,and the parts of baselines 28 lying between sidelines 30. The singles IBline structure consists of VC singles line structure and potentially FCsingles line structure as arises in IP structure 1260. The VC singlesline structure extends to surface 102 at composite VC singles line areaformed with the portion of line area 1232T or 1262T at sidelines 30,servicelines 34, centerline 36, and the parts of baselines 28 lyingbetween sidelines 30. The composite VC singles line area is specificallyformed with near and far VC singles line areas respectively in the nearhalf and far courts. The near VC singles line area consists of lineparts 1232ENC, 1232SNL, 1232SNR, 1232QNL, 1232QNR, and 1232CN or1262ENC, 1262SNL, 1262SNR, 1262QNL, 1262QNR, and 1262CN. The far VCsingles line area consists of line parts 1232EFC, 1232SFL, 1232SFR,1232QFL, 1232QFR, and 1232CF or 1262EFC, 1262SFL, 1262SFR, 1262QFL,1262QFR, and 1262CF. The FC singles line structure, if present, extendsto surface 102 at FC singles line area consisting of one or more partsof the singles IB line area beyond (or outside) the VC singles linearea. The FC singles line area for IP structure 1260 consists of lineparts 1264A and 1264C.

The total singles OB structure consists of VC singles OB LA structureand “FC singles OB structure”. The VC singles OB LA structure consistsof two VC singles OB LA structure portions extending to surface 102respectively at two VC singles OB LA area portions that form VC singlesOB LA area. Each VC singles OB LA area portion consists at least of thepart of an OB LA portion 1246 or 1276 lying along a shortened baseline28, i.e., the part of a baseline 28 between singles sidelines 30, andpreferably includes the area of LA HA portions 1244 or 1274 along lines30 so as to form a ␣-shaped area portion discontinuous at the corners.In particular, the VC singles OB LA area portion along the near or farhalf court in IP structure 1230 preferably consists of central OB BLApart 1246ENC or 1246EFC and singles SLA HA parts 1244QNL and 1244QNR or1244QFL and 1244QFR. The VC singles OB LA area portion along the near orfar half court in IP structure 1260 preferably consists of central OBBLA part 1276ENC or 1276EFC and singles SLA HA portions 1274NL and1274NR or 1274FL and 1274FR.

The FC singles OB structure extends to surface 102 at “FC singles OBarea” formed with the part of singles OB area 24 beyond the VC singlesOB area. During singles, any color change occurring in any part of theFC singles OB area due to that part being a VC part for doubles isignored. Each such VC doubles part of the FC singles OB area is treatedas being fixed color during singles. Alternatively, the CC capability ofeach such VC doubles part of the FC singles OB area is deactivated (ordisabled) for singles as described below. The FC singles OB area for IPstructure 1230 consists of HA parts 1254, doubles OB part 1256, and theintervening FC-treated or CC-deactivated parts of VC HA portions 1244,line area 1232T, and OB portions 1246. The FC singles OB area for IPstructure 1260 consists of HA parts 1284, doubles OB part 1286, and theintervening FC-treated or CC-deactivated parts of VC line area 1262T andOB portions 1276. The VC singles OB area partly occupies singles OB area24 so that the VC and FC singles OB areas form OB area 24.

Each IP structure 1230 or 1260 consists, for doubles, of total doublesIB structure and total doubles OB structure respectively extending tosurface 102 at doubles IB area 42 and doubles OB area 44. The totaldoubles OB structure laterally surrounds the total doubles IB structureand adjoins it along its entire lateral boundary so that OB area 44surrounds IB area 42 and adjoins it along its entire perimeter. Thetotal doubles IB structure is formed with the IB SC structure describedabove, doubles IB BC structure, IB alley (or HA) structure, and doublesIB line structure.

The doubles IB BC structure which, as with the singles IB BC structure,extends to surface 102 at doubles IB BC area formed with backcourts 40consists of “VC doubles LA BC structure” and “FC doubles BC structure”.The VC doubles LA BC structure consists of two spaced-apart VC doublesLA BC structure portions extending to surface 102 respectively at twospaced-apart “VC doubles LA BC area portions”, one for each half court,that form VC doubles LA BC area. Each VC doubles LA BC area portionconsists of the parts of an LA BC portion 1242 along serviceline 34 andbaseline 28 in a backcourt 40 so as to partly occupy that backcourt 40or an LA BC portion 1272 situated in, and partly occupying, a backcourt40. Specifically, each VC doubles LA BC area portion for IP structure1230 consists of LA BC parts 1242SN and 1242EN or 1242SF and 1242EF.Each VC doubles LA BC area portion for IP structure 1260 consists of LABC portion 1272N or 1272F.

Singles SLA BC parts 1242B in IP structure 1230 may be included in theVC doubles LA BC area if the CC capability of those SLA BC area parts isactivated (or enabled) during doubles. Any color change occurring onlyat any of those VC singles SLA BC area parts is ignored in doubles.Alternatively, the CC capability in those VC singles SLA BC area partsis deactivated for doubles as described below so that they are excludedfrom the VC doubles LA BC area. The FC doubles BC structure consists oftwo spaced-apart FC doubles BC structure parts extending to surface 102respectively at two spaced-apart “FC doubles BC area parts”. Each FCdoubles BC area part consists of a BC part 1252N or 1252F including, iftheir CC capability is deactivated during doubles, VC singles SLA BCparts 1242BNL and 1242BNR or 1242BFL and 1242BFR in a backcourt 40N or40F or a BC part 1282 in a backcourt 40.

The IB alley structure which extends to surface 102 at IB alley areaformed with alleys 48 consists of VC LA alley (or HA) structure and FCalley (or HA) structure. The VC LA alley structure consists of four VCsingles LA HA structure portions extending to surface 102 respectivelyat LA HA area portions 1244 or 1274 that form VC singles LA alley (orHA) area. The FC alley structure consists of four FC HA structure partsextending to surface 102 respectively at HA area parts 1254 or 1284.

The doubles IB line structure extends to surface 102 at doubles IB linearea formed with baselines 28, servicelines 34, centerline 36, doublessidelines 46, and the parts of singles sidelines 30 along servicecourts38. The doubles IB line structure consists of VC doubles line structureand potentially FC doubles line structure as arises in IP structure1260. The VC doubles line structure extends to surface 102 at VC doublesline area formed with the part of VC line area 1232T or 1262T atbaselines 28, servicelines 34, centerline 36, doubles sidelines 46, andthe parts of singles sidelines 30 adjoining servicecourts 38.

Singles sideline parts 1232BNL, 1232BNR, 1232BFL, and 1232BFR(collectively “1232B”) or 1262BNL, 1262BNR, 1262BFL, and 1262BFR(collectively “1262B”) adjoining backcourts 40 may be included in the VCdoubles line area if the CC capability in those BC-adjoining VC singlessideline area parts is activated during doubles. Any color changeoccurring only at those VC singles sideline area parts is ignored indoubles. Alternatively, the CC capability in those VC singles sidelinearea parts is deactivated for doubles as described below so that theyare excluded from the VC doubles line area. The VC doubles line areaspecifically consists of line parts 1232SNL, 1232SNR, 1232SFL, and1232SFR (collectively “1232S”), 1232ENL, 1232ENC, 1232ENR, 1232EFL,1232EFC, and 1232EFR (collectively “1232E”), 1232DNL, 1232DNR, 1232DFL,and 1232DFR (collectively (“1232D”), 1232A, and 1232C or 1262SNL,1262SNR, 1262SFL, and 1262SFR (collectively “1262S”), 1262ENL, 1262ENC,1262ENR, 1262EFL, 1262EFC, and 1262EFR (collectively “1262E”), 1262DNL,1262DNR, 1262DFL, and 1262DFR (collectively “1262D”), 1262A, and 1262Cand BC-adjoining singles sideline parts 1232B or 1262B if their CCcapability is activated during doubles.

The FC doubles line structure, if present, extends to surface 102 at FCdoubles line area consisting of the parts of the doubles IB line areabeyond the VC doubles line area. The FC doubles line area for IPstructure 1260 consists of line parts 1264A, 1264C, and 1264D.

The total doubles OB structure consists of VC doubles OB LA structureand FC doubles OB structure. The VC doubles OB LA structure consists oftwo VC doubles OB LA structure portions extending to surface 102respectively at doubles OB LA portions 1246 or 1276 that form VC doublesOB LA area. The FC doubles OB structure extends to surface 102 at FCdoubles OB area formed with doubles OB area part 1256 or 1286 beyond theVC doubles OB area.

Each IP structure 1230 or 1260 consists, for singles and doubles, oftotal singles/doubles IB structure and total singles/doubles OBstructure respectively extending to surface 102 at doubles areas 42 and44. The total singles/doubles IB structure is formed with the IB SCstructure, the singles IB BC structure, the IB alley (or HA) structure,and singles/doubles IB line structure extending to surface 102 atsingles/doubles IB line area formed with lines 28, 30, 34, 36, and 46.The singles/doubles IB line structure consists of VC singles/doublesline structure and potentially FC singles/doubles line structure asarises in IP structure 1260. The VC singles/doubles line structureextends to surface 102 at composite VC singles/doubles line area formedwith line area 1232T or 1262T. The FC singles/doubles line structure, ifpresent, extends to surface 102 at FC singles/doubles line areaconsisting of the parts of the singles/doubles IB line area beyond theVC singles/doubles line area. The FC singles/doubles line area forstructure 1260 consists of singles/doubles line area 1264T. The totalsingles/doubles OB structure which laterally surrounds the totalsingles/doubles IB structure and adjoins it along its entire lateralboundary, consists of VC singles/doubles OB LA structure and FCsingles/doubles OB structure respectively formed with the VC and FCdoubles OB structures.

Each VC LA SC, VC singles LA BC, VC LA HA, or VC doubles OB LA structureportion normally appears along its SC area portion (1240 or 1270),singles BC area portion (1242 or 1272), HA area portion (1244 or 1274),or doubles OB area portion (1246 or 1276) as a PP SC color ASC, PP BCcolor ABC, PP HA color AHA, or PP OB color AOB embodying PP color A.Each VC doubles LA BC or VC singles OB LA structure portion normallyappears along its doubles BC or singles OB area portion (describedabove) as color ABC or AOB. The VC singles or doubles line structurenormally appears along the VC singles or doubles line area (describedabove) as AD line color BL embodying AD color B.

Using the designations in Table 3, SC color ASC is color ASNL for SCportion 1240NL or 1270NL, color ASNR for SC portion 1240NR or 1270NR,color ASFL for SC portion 1240FL or 1270FL, and color ASFR for SCportion 1240FR or 1270FR. BC color ABC is color ABN for singles BCportion 1242N or 1272N and color ABF for singles BC portion 1242F or1272F. Similarly, color ABC is color ABN for the VC doubles BC areaportion in the near half court and color ABF for the VC doubles BC areaportion in the far half court. HA color AHA is color AHNL for HA portion1244NL or 1274NL, color AHNR for HA portion 1244NR or 1274NR, color AHFLfor HA portion 1244FL or 1274FL, and color AHFR for HA portion 1244FR or1274FR. OB color AOB is the same for both doubles OB portions 1246 or1276 and for both singles OB area portions.

IDVC portion 138 of a VC LA SC, singles LA BC, LA HA, or doubles OB LAstructure portion responds to object 104 impacting the SC area portion(1240 or 1270), singles BC area portion (1242 or 1272), HA area portion(1244 or 1274), or doubles OB area portion (1246 or 1276) of thatstructure portion at OC area 116 by temporarily appearing as a changedSC color XSC, changed BC color XBC, changed HA color XHA, or changed OBcolor XOB embodying changed color X and materially different from colorASC, ABC, AHA, or AOB of that structure portion if the impact meets PPbasic TH impact criteria of that structure portion. Portion 138 of a VCdoubles LA BC or singles OB LA structure portion responds to object 104impacting the doubles BC or singles OB area portion (described above) ofthat structure portion at area 116 by temporarily appearing as color XBCor XOB of that structure portion if the impact meets PP basic TH impactcriteria of that structure portion. Each VC LA structure portionpreferably includes components 182 and 184 typically implemented as inOI structure 200. IS segment 192 provides the PP general impact effectin response to object 104 impacting the area portion of that LAstructure portion at area 116 if the impact meets the basic TH impactcriteria of that structure portion. CC segment 194 responds to the PPimpact effect, if provided, by causing portion 138 of that structureportion to temporarily appear as changed color XSC, XBC, XHA, XOB, XBC,or XOB.

Again using the designations in Table 3, SC color XSC is color XSNL forSC portion 1240NL or 1270NL, color XSNR for SC portion 1240NR or 1270NR,color XSFL for SC portion 1240FL or 1270FL, and color XSFR for SCportion 1240FR or 1270FR. BC color XBC is color XBN for singles BCportion 1242N or 1272N and color XBF for singles BC portion 1242F or1272F. Similarly, color XBC is color XBN for the VC doubles BC areaportion in the near half court and color XBF for the VC doubles BC areaportion in the far half court. HA color XHA is color XHNL for HA portion1244NL or 1274NL, color XHNR for HA portion 1244NR or 1274NR, color XHFLfor HA portion 1244FL or 1274FL, and color XHFR for HA portion 1244FR or1274FR. OB color XOB is color XOBN for doubles OB portion 1246N or 1276Nand color XOBF for doubles OB portion 1246F or 1276F. Color XOB is alsocolor XOBN for the singles OB area portion along the near half court andcolor XOBF for the singles OB area portion along the far half court.

IDVC portion 926 of the VC singles or doubles line structure responds toobject 104 impacting the VC singles or doubles line area (describedabove) at OC area 896 by temporarily appearing as altered line color YLembodying altered color Y and materially different from AD color BL ofthe VC singles or doubles line structure if the impact meets AD basic THimpact criteria of the VC singles or doubles line structure. The VCsingles or doubles line structure preferably includes IS component 932and CC component 934 typically implemented as in OI structure 930. TheID segment of component 932 provides the AD general impact effect inresponse to the impact if it meets the basic TH impact criteria of theVC singles or doubles line structure. The ID segment of component 934responds to the AD impact effect, if provided, by causing portion 926 totemporarily appear as altered color YL.

Object 104 is typically a (tennis) ball. The PP and AD basic TH impactcriteria are then chosen to be suitable for expected impacts of balls onsurface 102 during tennis play. For singles, color change occurs at eachlocation of the VC LA SC, singles LA BC, singles OB LA, and singles lineareas for ball impacts on surface 102 sufficient to meet the appropriatebasic TH impact criteria. For doubles, color change similarly occurs ateach location of the VC LA SC, doubles LA BC, LA alley, doubles OB LA,and doubles line areas for ball impacts on surface 102 sufficient tomeet the appropriate basic TH impact criteria.

The critical edge of each line 28, 30, 34, or 46 is, as indicated above,its outside edge since a ball embodying object 104 is “out” only if theball impacts surface 102 fully beyond (or outside) line 28, 30, 34, or46 insofar as it defines an in/out location. The highest locationpriority for providing lines 28, 30, 34, and 46 with CC capability iselongated area, usually straight, lying directly along the outside edgeof each line 28, 30, 34, or 46 as occurs with VC court parts/portions1242S, 1244Q, and 1246 or 1272, 1274, and 1276.

The CC capability is, for instance, provided as highest CC locationpriority in elongated area directly along the critical outside edge ofthe composite boundary line consisting (a) for singles of shortenedbaselines 28 and singles sidelines 30 and (b) for doubles of baselines28 and doubles sidelines 46. Since each edge of centerline 36 for aserved ball variously constitutes the outside, and thus critical, edgedepending on servicecourt 38 to which the ball is to be directed, thehighest location priority for providing line 36 with CC capability iselongated area, usually straight, lying directly along each edge of line36 as occurs with VC SC parts/portions 1240C or 1270. The next highestlocation priority for providing line 28, 30, 34, 36, or 46 with CCcapability is all or part of line 28, 30, 34, 36, or 46 as occurs withVC line area 1232T or 1262T.

Alleys 48 are deleted in variations of IP structures 1230 and 1260intended only for singles by deleting doubles sidelines 46 and the partsof baselines 28 along alleys 48 so that doubles sideline parts 1232D or1262D and baseline parts 1232ENL, 1232ENR, 1232EFL, and 1232EFR or1262ENL, 1262ENR, 1262EFL, and 1262EFR cease to exist. With baselines 28shortened to extend only between singles sidelines 30, OB LA parts1246D, 1246ENL, 1246ENR, 1246EFL, and 1246EFR or 1276D, 1276ENL,1276ENR, 1276EFL, and 1276EFR are also deleted along with doubles SLA HAparts 1244D and BLA HA parts 1244E. Remaining singles SLA HAparts/portions 1244Q or 1274 are extended to remaining OB BLA parts1246ENC and 1246EFC or 1276ENC and 1276EFC along shortened baselines 28and become parts of OB portions 1246 or 1276.

With HA court portions 1244 or 1274 so adjusted, the VC singles OBstructure in the singles-only variation of IP structure 1230 or 1260consists of two VC singles OB structure portions extending to surface102 respectively at two ␣-shaped near VC singles OB area portions forthe near and far half courts. The near VC singles OB area portionconsists of so-adjusted OB LA parts 1244QNL, 1246ENC, and 1244QNR or1274NL, 1276ENC, and 1274NR. The far VC singles OB area portionsimilarly consists of so-adjusted OB LA parts 1244QFL, 1246EFC, and1244QFR or 1274FL, 1276EFC, and 1274FR. The VC singles OB area portionsare usually symmetrical about the court's longitudinal axis and mirrorimages about the court's transverse axis. The portion of singles OB area24 beyond the VC singles OB area portions is a rectangular annularremainder FC singles OB area portion which fully directly surrounds theVC singles OB area formed with the VC singles OB area portions.

The singles-only tennis IP structure operates basically the same assingles/doubles IP structure 1230 or 1260 used for singles except thatalleys 48 are absent. In particular, the above description of theoperation of structure 1230 or 1260 applies to the singles-only IPstructure subject to ignoring the material dealing with the VC doublesLA BC, LA alley, doubles OB LA, and doubles line structures andreplacing recitations of the VC singles OB LA structure with recitationsof the VC singles OB LA structure as modified here.

Each of IP structures 1230 and 1260, including the singles-onlyvariations, preferably contains CC controller 1114 or 1134 either forimplementing IP structure 1110 or 1130 that includes OI structure 900 or1100 or for implementing IP structure 1170 or 1200 that includes both OIstructure 900 or 1100 and IG system 1152 or 1182. Controller 1114/1134here preferably operates as an intelligent controller as describedabove. In that case, controller 1114/1134 usually causes color changeonly when the impact characteristics meet the PP, AD, FR, or CP expandedimpact criteria for a ball impact where the FR expanded impact criteriaare again replaced with PP expanded impact criteria for the reasonspresented above. Color change generally does not occur when an object,such as a shoe, whose print area differs from that of a ball impacts thecourt. If a ball lies on the court at a location having the CCcapability, a temporary color change either does not occur if the ball'simpact with the court is insufficient to meet the PP, AD, or CP generalor cellular TH impact criteria or does not persist beyond automaticlength Δt_(drau), usually no more than 60 s, often no more than 30 s, ofCC duration Δt_(dr) unless instruction 608 is supplied to controller1114/1134 to increase duration Δt_(dr).

The following occurs when controller 1114 is an intelligent controller.IDVC portion 138 of each VC LA SC, singles LA BC, LA HA, or doubles OBLA structure portion responds to object 104 impacting the SC areaportion (1240 or 1270), singles BC area portion (1242 or 1272), HA areaportion (1244 or 1274), or doubles OB area portion (1246 or 1276) ofthat structure portion at OC area 116 by providing a PP general CIimpact signal if the impact meets the PP basic TH impact criteria ofthat structure portion. The impact signal identifies an expectedlocation of print area 118 in that area portion and PP supplementaryimpact information for the impact. Controller 1114 responds to theimpact signal by determining whether the PP supplementary impactinformation meets PP supplementary impact criteria of that structureportion and, if so, provides a PP general CC initiation signal to whichthat portion 138 responds by temporarily appearing as changed color XSC,XBC, XHA, or XOB. Portion 138 of a VC doubles LA BC or singles OB LAstructure portion interacts with controller 1114 the same as portion 138of a VC singles LA BC or doubles OB LA structure portion for potentiallycausing portion 138 of that structure portion to temporarily appear ascolor XBC or XOB. Each VC LA structure portion again preferably includescomponents 182 and 184 typically implemented as in OI structure 200. ISsegment 192 provides a PP general impact signal in response to object104 impacting the area portion of that LA structure portion at area 116if the impact meets the basic TH impact criteria of that structureportion. CC segment 194 responds to the initiation signal, if provided,by causing portion 138 of that structure portion to temporarily appearas color XSC, XBC, XHA, XOB, XBC, or XOB.

An IDVC portion 926 of the VC singles or doubles line structure respondsto object 104 impacting the VC singles or doubles line area at OC area896 by providing an AD general CI impact signal if the impact meets theAD basic TH impact criteria of the VC singles or doubles line structure.The impact signal identifies an expected location of print area 898 inthe VC singles or doubles line area and AD supplementary impactinformation for the impact. Controller 1114 responds to the AD generalCI impact signal by determining whether the AD supplementary impactinformation meets AD supplementary impact criteria of the VC singles ordoubles line structure and, if so, provides an AD general CC initiationsignal to which that portion 926 responds by temporarily appearing asaltered line color YL. The VC singles or doubles line structure againpreferably includes IS component 932 and CC component 934 typicallyimplemented as in OI structure 930. The ID segment of component 932provides an AD general impact signal in response to the impact if itmeets the basic TH impact criteria of the VC singles or doubles linestructure. The ID segment of component 934 responds to the initiationsignal, if provided, by causing that portion 926 to temporarily appearas color YL.

For an impact solely on SF zone 112 or 892 sufficient to meet the PP orAD basic TH impact criteria, controller 1114 determines whether the PPor AD general supplemental impact information meets the PP or ADsupplemental impact criteria implemented to be characteristic of a ballimpacting surface 102. For an impact simultaneously on zones 112 and 892sufficient to meet the CP basic TH impact criteria, controller 1114determines whether the CP general supplemental impact information meetsthe CP supplemental impact criteria implemented the same to becharacteristic of a ball impacting surface 102.

Print area 118 or 898 is usually roughly elliptical for a ball impact.The short diameter of the rough ellipse for a ball impact is typicallyin the vicinity of half the diameter of a ball dependent on variousfactors including the impact angle, vertical impact speed, and courtcharacteristics. The ratio of the long ellipse diameter to the shortellipse diameter for a ball impact depends on various factors includingthe impact angle, lateral impact speed, and court characteristics. Theellipse diameter ratio typically varies from 1 (circular) to 3 or 4.This information is used to incorporate ball size and/or shapespecifications into the PP, AD, and CP supplemental impact criteria.Inasmuch as the shoeprint of a person such as a tennis player is almostinvariably considerably different from the size and shape of area 118 or898 for a ball impact, controller 1114 causes color changes to occur atobject-impact locations when balls impact the court but largely not whenpeoples' shoes impact the court. With OC duration Δt_(oc) typicallybeing 4-5 ms, invariably less than 10 ms, for a ball impacting a tenniscourt, the PP, AD, and CP supplemental impact criteria can include OCduration criteria in which maximum reference OC duration value Δt_(ocrh)is chosen as described above for the PP supplemental impact criteria tobe suitably greater than 5 ms but suitably less than the time periodduring which either shoe of a person contacts the court.

The operation is basically the same when controller 1134 is anintelligent controller here. The PP or AD cellular CI impact signalsprovided from all TH CM cells 404 or 1084 to controller 1134 embody thePP general CI impact signal. The PP or AD cellular CC initiation signalsprovided by controller 1134 to all full CM cells 404 or 1084 embody thePP general CC initiation signal.

Object 104 embodied with a (tennis) ball is termed ball 104 in thefollowing material dealing with IP structures 1230 and 1260. One part,termed the VC service strip, of the units of VC regions 106 and 886 isused in determining whether ball 104 is “in” or “out” after it isserved. Another part, termed the VC return strip, of the units ofregions 106 and 886 is used in determining whether ball 104 is “in” or“out” during subsequent return play. The VC service strip differs fromthe VC return strip which differs between singles and doubles. Theservice strip and the return strip for singles have four commonportions, termed VC sideline common substrips, extending along singlessidelines 30 on both sides of the net line so that each VC sidelinecommon substrip is associated with a different one of servicecourts 38.

The VC service strip consists of (a) the units of VC region 886extending to surface 102 at VC service-strip line area formed with theVC area at centerline 36, servicelines 34, and the parts of singlessidelines 30 extending between servicelines 34 and (b) the units ofregion 106 extending to surface 102 at VC service-strip LA area formedwith the VC area lying fully along the VC service-strip line area. TheVC service-strip line area consists of line parts 1232C, 1232S, and1232A or 1262C, 1262S, and 1262A. The VC service-strip LA area consistsof LA parts/portions 1240, 1242S, 1244A or 1270, 1272, and 1274A. Theservice-strip line and LA areas form VC service-strip composite area.

The VC return strip for singles consists of (a) the units of VC region886 extending to surface 102 at singles VC return-strip line area formedwith the VC area at singles sidelines 30 and the portions of baselines28 extending between sidelines 30 and (b) the units of VC region 106extending to surface 102 at singles VC return-strip LA area formed withthe VC area lying fully along the singles VC return-strip line area. Thesingles VC return-strip line area consists of line parts 1232QNL,1232QNR, 1232QFL, and 1232QFR (collectively “1232Q”), 1232ENC, and1232EFC or 1262QNL, 1262QNR, 1262QFL, and 1262QFR (collectively 1262Q″),1262ENC, and 1262EFC. The singles VC return-strip LA area consists of LAparts/portions 1240A, 1242B, 1242E, 1244Q, 1246ENC, and 1246EFC or 1274,1276ENC, and 1276EFC. The singles return-strip line and LA areas formsingles VC return-strip composite area.

The VC return strip for doubles consists of (a) the units of VC region886 extending to surface 102 at doubles VC return-strip line area formedwith the VC area at doubles sidelines 46 and baselines 28 and (b) theunits of VC region 106 extending to surface 102 at doubles VCreturn-strip LA area formed with the VC area lying fully along thedoubles VC return-strip line area. The doubles VC return-strip line areaconsists of line parts 1232D and 1232E or 1262D and 1262E. The doublesVC return-strip LA area consists of LA parts/portions 1242E, 1244E,1244D, and 1246 or 1276. The doubles return-strip line and LA areas formdoubles VC return-strip composite area.

Each VC sideline common substrip consists of (a) the units of VC region886 extending to surface 102 at a VC sideline common line area formedwith the VC area at the part of a sideline 30 lying fully along adifferent one of servicecourts 38 and (b) the units of VC region 106extending to surface 102 at a VC sideline common LA area formed with theVC area lying fully along that VC sideline common line area. The VCsideline common line area for servicecourt 38NL consists of line part1232ANL or 1262ANL. The VC sideline common LA area for servicecourt 38NLconsists of LA part(s) 1240ANL and 1244ANL or 1274ANL. The VC sidelinecommon line area for servicecourt 38NR consists of line part 1232ANR or1262ANR. The VC sideline common LA area for servicecourt 38NR consistsof LA part(s) 1240ANR and 1244ANR or 1274ANR. The VC sideline commonline area for servicecourt 38FL consists of line part 1232AFL or1262AFL. The VC sideline common LA area for servicecourt 38FL consistsof LA part(s) 1240AFL and 1244AFL or 1274AFL. The VC sideline commonline area for servicecourt 38FR consists of line part 1232AFR or1262AFR. The VC sideline common LA area for servicecourt 38FR consistsof LA part(s) 1240AFR and 1244AFR or 1274AFR. The sideline common lineand LA areas for each servicecourt 38 form a VC sideline commoncomposite area for that servicecourt's sideline common substrip.

A device, typically CC controller 1114/1134, controls the VC strips sothat (a) the VC service strip is activated during tennis service, atleast as ball 104 impacts surface 102 during service, and is inactivated(or inactive) during return play except, in singles, for the VC sidelinecommon substrips and (b) the VC return strip for singles or doubles isactivated during return play and is inactivated during service except,in singles, for the sideline common substrips. The service strip isexcept, in singles, for the sideline common substrips deactivated afterreturn, or attempted return, of service during a point while ball 104 iscrossing, or attempting to cross, over net 32 as the return strip forsingles or doubles is activated, the sideline common substrips alreadybeing activated in singles. The sideline common substrips are thuscontinuously activated during a point in singles but, during a point indoubles, only activated during service. Both the service and returnstrips, including the sideline common substrips, are typicallyinactivated during time periods between points, e.g., to save power andreduce usage deterioration, but can variously be activated duringin-between point periods.

One or more persons, such as one or more tennis officials, control theVC strips with a control switch for switching the return strip betweensingles and doubles and for switching each strip between activated andinactivated conditions subject to the sideline common substrips beingcontinuously activated during a point in singles. The control switch canconsist of (a) a two-position switch that switches the return stripbetween singles and doubles and (b) a three-position switch having (i) afirst position in which the service strip is activated and the returnstrip is inactivated except, in singles, for the sideline commonsubstrips, (ii) a second position in which the return strip is activatedand the service strip is inactivated except, in singles, for thesideline common substrips, and (iii) a third position in which bothstrips are inactivated. The two-position switch is used to select thereturn strip for singles or doubles prior to a tennis match depending onwhether it is singles or doubles. The three-position switch is usedduring play for activating and deactivating the VC strips as describedabove. Each control switch can be located on controller 1114/1134 orremote from it so as to communicate with it via a COM path. Theperson(s) operating each control switch can operate it manually or byvoice in such a way as to avoid significantly disturbing the players.

Alternatively, controller 1114/1134 includes a shape-recognitioncapability for use in automatically activating and deactivating the VCstrips as described above. Prior to a tennis match, controller 1114/1134is adjusted to select the return strip for singles or doubles dependingon whether the match is singles or doubles. IG structure 804,specifically image-collecting apparatus 808, generates a moving image ofthe server at least during tennis service and return play, typicallycontinuously during play including in-between point periods. Controller1114/1134 receives the moving image via a COM path and analyzes it usingthe shape-recognition capability to determine when the server is servingand when the server is in return play. When the shape-recognitioncapability indicates that the server is beginning the serve, controller1114/1134 controls the strips so that the service strip is activated andthe return strip for singles or doubles is inactivated subject, insingles, to the sideline common substrips being activated. When theshape-recognition capability indicates that the server has justcompleted the serve, controller 1114/1134 controls the strips so thatthe return strip for singles or doubles is activated and the servicestrip is inactivated subject, in singles, to the sideline commonsubstrips being activated.

Tennis service during a game is performed with the server's feetpositioned behind a specified one of baselines 28 to one side or theother of the center mark on that line 28 depending on the score of thegame. Controller 1114/1134 may keep track of the game score and wherethe server should be positioned, relative to lines 28 and their centermarks, for service at the beginning of each point. If so, controller1114/1134 can using this scoring information and attendant expectedserver positioning information to assist the shape-recognitioncapability in determining when the server is beginning the serve.

By controlling the VC strips in the preceding way, impact of ball 104 onthe return strip for singles or doubles immediately prior to service,e.g., as the server bounces ball 104 on or close to adjacent baseline28, does not cause that return strip to undergo color change. Nor doesimpact of either of the server's shoes on the return strip for singlesor doubles during service, i.e., immediately before, as, or immediatelyafter the server strikes ball 104, cause that return strip to undergocolor change. During return play, impact of ball 104 on or alongcenterline 36 or either serviceline 34 except where it meets singlessidelines 30 similarly does not cause color change. The requirementsplaced on controller 1114/1134 to act as an intelligent controller fordifferentiating between impacts intended to cause color change andimpacts not intended to cause color change are considerably reduced.Controller 1114/1134 may sometimes even simply be a duration controllerdepending on how the strip activation/deactivation is achieved.

The VC service strip can be allocated into four partially overlappingportions, termed VC QC substrips, one for each servicecourt 38. Each VCQC substrip lies fully along a servicecourt 38 and thus along a singlessideline 30, a serviceline 34, and centerline 36. When ball 104 is to bedirected toward a servicecourt 38 during tennis service, thatservicecourt's QC substrip, termed the designated QC substrip, can beused in determining whether served ball 104 is “in” or “out”. Each VC QCsubstrip and the VC return strip for singles have a common portionformed with a different one of the VC sideline common substrips. The twoQC substrips in each half court have a common portion, referred to as aVC centerline common substrip, extending along centerline 36 for a totalof two VC centerline common substrips.

Each VC QC substrip consists of (a) the units of VC region 886 extendingto surface 102 at a VC QC substrip line area formed with the VC area atthe part of centerline 36 lying fully along a different one ofservicecourts 38, the part of a serviceline 34 lying fully along thatservicecourt 38, and the part of a singles sideline 30 lying fully alongthat servicecourt 38 and (b) the units, as present, of VC region 106extending to surface 102 at a VC QC substrip LA area formed with the VCarea lying fully along the VC QC substrip line area. The VC QC substripline and LA areas for each servicecourt 38 form a VC QC substripcomposite area for that servicecourt's QC substrip. Each VC centerlinecommon substrip consists of (a) the units of region 886 extending tosurface 102 at a VC centerline common line area formed with the VC areaat the part of centerline 36 in each half court and (b) the units, aspresent, of regions 106 extending to surface 102 at a VC centerlinecommon LA area formed with the VC area lying fully along the VCcenterline common line area. The VC centerline common line and LA areasfor each half court form a VC centerline common composite area for thathalf court's centerline common substrip.

Instead of controlling the VC service strip as described above, CCcontroller 1114/1134 provides a capability for controlling the VC QCsubstrips so that (a) the designated QC substrip is activated duringservice of a point, at least as ball 104 impacts surface 102 duringtennis service, and is inactivated during return play of that pointexcept, in singles, for that section's sideline common substrip and (b)the three QC substrips for the other three servicecourts 38 areinactivated during both service and return play of that point except, insingles, for those three sections' sideline common substrips. Thedesignated QC substrip is except, in singles, for that substrip'ssideline common substrip deactivated after return, or attempted return,of service during a point while ball 104 is crossing, or attempting tocross, over net 32 as the return strip for singles or doubles isactivated, the sideline common substrips already being activated insingles. The sideline common substrips thus are continuously activatedduring a point in singles but, during a point in doubles, only thesideline common substrip for the designated QC substrip is activated andonly during service. Also, the centerline common substrip of each pairof QC substrips on each side of net 32 is activated whenever one ofthose two QC substrips, e.g., the designated QC substrip, is activated.All four QC substrips and both centerline common substrips are typicallyinactivated during time periods between points but can be activatedduring in-between point periods.

The VC QC substrips are typically controlled by a person, such as atennis official, using a control switch for suitably switching thereturn strip and each QC substrip between activated and inactivatedconditions subject to the sideline common substrip of the designated QCsubstrip being continuously activated during a point in singles. Thecontrol switch can consist of (a) a two-position switch for switchingthe return strip between singles and doubles, (b) a four-position switchfor selecting designated servicecourt 38 and thus the designated QCsubstrip, and (c) a three-position switch having (i) a first position inwhich the designated QC substrip, including its sideline common andcenterline common substrips, is activated while the other three QCsubstrips, including their sideline common substrips and the othercenterline common substrip, and the return strip are inactivated, (ii) asecond position in which the return strip is activated and all four QCsubstrips, including both centerline common substrips, are inactivatedexcept, in singles, for the four sideline common substrips, and (iii) athird position in which the return strip and all four QC substrips,including all four sideline common substrips and both centerline commonsubstrips, are inactivated. The two-position switch is again used toselect the return strip for singles or doubles prior to a tennis matchdepending on whether it is singles or doubles. The four-position andthree-position switches are used during play for activating anddeactivating the return strip and the QC substrips as described above.

In one variation of IP structure 1230 or 1260 applicable to both asingles/doubles implementation and a singles-only variation, the presentCC capability is provided only along servicecourts 38 for use indetermining whether ball 104 is “in” or “out” during service. That is,only VC line parts 1232C, 1232S, and 1232A or 1262C, 1262S, and 1262Aand VC LA parts/portions 1240, 1242S, and 1244A or 1270, 1272, and 1274Aare present. During service, the receiving player virtually never stepson any of the VC line and LA area parts situated at and alongsidedesignated servicecourt 38 to which served ball 104 is directed. Thepartner of the receiving player during service in doubles similarlyrarely, if ever, ever steps on any of the VC line and LA area partssituated at and alongside designated servicecourt 38. In view of this,there is no need during service to distinguish between impacts of ball104 on surface 102 and other impacts on it. Controller 1114/1134 is notusually present in this variation.

Letting an “out” VC LA structure portion mean a VC LA structure portion(or part) for which an impact is “out” if print area 118 is spaced apartfrom VC line area 1232T or 1262T, controller 1114/1134 preferablyoperates as an intelligent controller using the location-dependentversion of the CC capability to control the color changing so that IDVCportion 138 of any “out” VC LA structure portion appears as (i) firstchanged color X₁ if area 118 of the LA area portion (or part) of thatstructure portion adjoins line area 1232T or 1262T and (ii) secondchanged color X₂ different from color X₁ if area 118 of the area portionof that structure portion is spaced apart from line area 1232T or 1262T.Colors X₁ and X₂ here are respective different embodiments of eachchanged color XSNL, XSNR, XSFL, XSFR, XBN, XBF, XHNL, XHNR, XHFL, XHFR,XOBN, or XOBF. Color X₁ is preferably the same for all “out” LAstructure portions. Color X₂ is also preferably the same for all “out”LA structure portions.

During service toward designated servicecourt 38, the appearance ofprint area 118 of any of the VC LA area portions, including any segmentof those portions, adjoining the part of VC line area 1232T or 1262Talong the outside edge of that servicecourt 38 as color X₁ indicatesthat served ball 104 is “in” because having area 118 of each such LAarea portion adjoin line area 1232T or 1262T means that ball 104impacted the part of area 1232T adjoining that servicecourt 38 whereasthe appearance of each such LA portion as color X₂ indicates that ball104 is “out” because having area 118 of that LA area portion be spacedapart from area 1232T or 1262T means that ball 104 failed to impact thepart of area 1232T or 1262T adjoining that servicecourt 38 except forthe rare instances in which ball 104 simultaneously impacts both that LAportion and FC line area 1264T in IP structure 1260 without impactingarea 1262T. A viewer, e.g., a player or an official, can nearly alwaysdetermine whether served ball 104 impacts surface 102 “in” or “out” inIP structure 1230 or 1260 by simply examining the color of area 118. Ifball 104 simultaneously impacts such an LA portion and FC line area1264T in structure 1260 without impacting VC line area 1262T, area 118lacks the shape for a ball impacting surface 102 at a service “out”location so as to indicate that the in/out status of ball 104 isunclear.

The appearance of print area 118 of any of the VC LA area partsadjoining IB area 22 or 42 along baselines 28 or/and sidelines 30 or 46,as color X₁ during return play in singles or doubles in IP structure1230 indicates that returned ball 104 is “in” because having area 118 ofeach such LA area part adjoin area 22 or 42 means that ball 104 impactedarea 22 or 42 along baselines 28 or/and sidelines 30 or 46 whereas theappearance of each such LA part as color X₂ indicates that ball 104 is“out” because having area of that LA area part be spaced apart from area22 or 42 means that ball 104 failed to impact area 22 or 42 alongbaselines 28 or/and sidelines 30 or 46. In IP structure 1260, theappearance of area 118 of any of the VC LA area parts adjoining IB area22 or 42 along baselines 28 or/and sidelines 30 or 46, as color X₁during singles or doubles return play similarly indicates that ball 104is “in” whereas the appearance of each such LA part as color X₂indicates that ball 104 is “out” except for the rare instances in whichball 104 simultaneously impacts both that LA part and FC line area 1264Twithout impacting VC line area 1262T. A viewer can again nearly alwaysdetermine whether returned ball 104 impacts surface 102 “in” or “out” instructure 1230 or 1260 by simply examining the color of area 118. Ifball 104 simultaneously impacts such an LA part and FC line area 1264Tin structure 1260 without impacting VC line area 1262T, area 118 lacksthe shape for a ball impacting surface 102 at a returned “out” locationso as to indicate unclarity in the in/out status of ball 104.

Using the sound-generation capability, controller 1114/1134 optionallygenerates an audible sound indicating that ball 104 is “out”, e.g., theword “out” in English, when ball 104 impacts a selected portion ofsurface 102 where ball 104 is “out” without simultaneously impacting aportion of surface 102 where ball 104 is “in”. The portion of surface102 where ball 104 is “out” embodies one or more of SF zones 112 and892. An audible “out” sound is specifically optionally generated in IPstructure 1230 or 1260 (a) during tennis service if ball 104 impacts anyone or more of the parts of VC court portions 1240, 1242, and 1244 or1270, 1272, and 1274 along, but outside, designated servicecourt 38 towhich ball 104 is directed without simultaneously impacting any part ofVC line area 1232T or 1262T along that servicecourt 38, (b) duringsingles return play if ball 104 impacts any one or more of the parts ofVC court portions 1244 and 1246 or 1274 and 1276 along singles IB area22 without simultaneously impacting any part of line area 1232T or 1262Talong IB area 22, and (c) during doubles return play if ball 104 impactseither of VC OB portions 1246 or 1276 without simultaneously impactingany part of area 1232T or 1262T along doubles IB area 42.

Impact of ball 104 on surface 102 usually results in an audibleball-impact sound that starts during OC duration Δt_(oc), typically 4-5ms, extending from object-impact time t_(ip) to OS time t_(os). Theout-indicating sound made for ball 104 landing “out” preferably startsboth soon after the start of the ball-impact sound so as to be clearlyassociated with the impact and sufficiently later than the start of theball-impact sound to avoid having it materially affect the clarity ofthe out-indicating sound. In particular, the out-indicating sound startsat least 0.1 s, preferably at least 0.25 s, after OS time t_(os) and nomore than 1 s, preferably no more than 0.75 s, more preferably no morethan 0.5 s, after time t_(os).

IP structure 1230 or 1260 could provide an audible sound indicating thatball 104 is “in”, e.g., the word “in” in English, when ball 104 impactssurface 102 at any CC location not fully outside designated servicecourt38 during tennis service, not fully outside singles IB area 22 duringsingles return play, and not fully outside doubles IB area 42 duringdoubles return play. However, such a sound is usually not providedbecause (a) it would be distracting to the tennis players and (b) thenon-occurrence of a sound indicating that ball 104 hitting in theimmediate vicinity of that location is “out” means that ball 104 is“in”.

The invention's CC capability can be implemented in various tennissituations besides those described above. For instance, the CCcapability can be provided (a) along the top of tennis net 32 todetermine if an otherwise “good” served ball 104 grazed net 32 inpassing over it and must be replayed and (b) along baselines 28 toassist in determining whether a foot fault occurs during service forwhich controller 1114/1134 functions as an intelligent controllersensitive to the shape of a shoe embodying object 104.

Exclusive of the material embodying the units of VC regions 106 and 886,surface 102 in IP structure 1230 or 1260, including any of itsabove-described variations, is typically formed with hard-court materialor clay. To avoid or reduce using velocity-restitution matchingdescribed below, the present CC capability can be provided only in oneor more of the following places in clay-court variations of structure1230 or 1260 (a) at baselines 28 and or/and along their outside edges,i.e., by line parts 1232E or 1262E or/and LA parts 1246E or 1276E, (b)at shortened baselines 28 and or/and along their outside edges, i.e., byline parts 1232ENC and 1232EFC or 1262EFC and 1262EFC or/and LA parts1246ENC and 1246EFC or 1276ENC and 1276EFC, in a singles-only variation,(c) at singles sidelines 30 or/and along their outside edges, i.e., byline parts 1232Q or 1262Q or/and LA parts/portions 1244Q or 1274,especially in a singles-only variation, and (d) at doubles sidelines 46or/and along their outside edges, i.e., by line parts 1232D or 1262Dor/and LA parts 1246D or 1276D.

Incorporating the CC capability into a grass tennis court withoutsignificantly affecting the ball-bounce and player shoe-tractioncharacteristics of grass-court play is challenging. Surface 102 for agrass tennis court having the CC capability usually consists of grassyareas at the FC SF zones formed with units of SF zones 114 and 894 andrelatively hard areas at the VC SF zones formed with units of SF zones112 and 892. The hard areas for the VC SF zones are at the bottoms ofchannels in the grass. The width of each channel is slightly greaterthan the sum of the widths of the units of SF zones exposed by thatchannel. Using these channels, each IP structure 1230 or 1260 isimplemented in a grass court without significantly affecting theball-bounce characteristics of grass-court play by providing surface 102with good velocity-restitution matching between tennis-ball impacts onthe grassy FC SF zones and tennis-ball impacts on the hard VC SF zones.The presence of good velocity-restitution matching across surface 102 isexpected to result in the shoe-traction characteristics being onlyslightly affected as players switch between stepping (partly or fully)on grassy FC SF zones and stepping on hard VC SF zones. It is expectedthat good tennis players will generally readily adapt to switchingbetween stepping on grassy FC SF zones and stepping on hard VC SF zones.

The CC capability is alternatively incorporated into a grass tenniscourt with VC SF zones provided at the bottoms of channels in the grassin any or more of the following ways to reduce the need for goodvelocity-restitution matching across surface 102. Firstly, an elongatedstraight VC SF zone formed with a BLA part 1246E or 1276E is providedfully along the outside edge of each baseline 28 if the court is asingles/doubles court. For a singles-only court having shortenedbaselines 28, an elongated straight VC SF zone formed with one of OB BLAparts 1246ENC and 1246EFC or 1276ENC and 1276EFC is instead providedfully along the outside edge of each shortened baseline 28. Secondly,for a singles-only court, an elongated straight VC SF zone formed with asingles SLA HA part 1244Q or 1274 is provided directly along the outsideedge of the half of each singles sideline 30 in each half court so as toadjoin that half singles sideline starting from baseline 28 in that halfcourt. If the court has VC BLA SF zones, they merge with the VC singlesSLA SF zones to form two ␣-shaped VC OB SF zones. Thirdly, for asingles/doubles court, an elongated straight VC SF zone formed with adouble OB SLA part 1246D or 1276D is provided directly along the outsideedge of the half of each doubles sideline 46 in each half court so as toadjoin that half doubles sideline starting from baseline 28 in that halfcourt. If the court has VC BLA SF zones, they merge with the VC doublesSLA SF zones to form ␣-shaped OB area portions 1246 or 1276.

Any difference between the bounce characteristics of balls impacting thegrassy FC SF zones and the bounce characteristics of balls impacting thehard VC LA SF zones during singles point play is largely immaterial forballs solely impacting the hard VC OB BLA SF zones or/and the VC singles(HA or OB) SLA SF zones, or impacting them along any of their outsideedges because those balls are “out” to immediately end the points. Thesame applies to any balls impacting the VC doubles OB SLA SF zonesduring singles. A difference between the bounce characteristics of ballsimpacting the grassy FC SF zones and the bounce characteristics of ballsimpacting the hard VC LA SF zones is of concern for balls impacting (a)the part of a singles sideline 30 along a servicecourt 38 and theadjoining part of the adjoining VC singles SLA SF zone simultaneouslyduring service, (b) a grassy baseline 28 and the adjoining VC OB BLA SFzone simultaneously during return play, (c) a grassy singles sideline 30and the adjoining VC singles SLA SF zone simultaneously during singlesreturn play, (d) a grassy doubles sideline 46 and the adjoining VCdoubles OB SLA SF zone simultaneously during doubles return play, and(e) a grassy singles sideline 30 during doubles return play becausethose balls are “in”. However, it is expected that good tennis playerswill generally readily adapt to such a difference in ball-bouncecharacteristics, especially since the ball-bounce characteristics ofgrass tennis courts are known to usually be somewhat unpredictablecompared to the ball-bounce characteristics of conventional hard-surfaceand clay tennis courts.

The effect of such a difference in ball-bounce characteristics can besignificantly reduced by variously replacing the preceding VC LA SFzones with VC SF zones provided at the bottoms of channels in the grassat locations spaced apart from baselines 28, singles sidelines 30, anddoubles sidelines 46 in each of the following ways for which recitationof such a VC SF zone as being “adjacent” to a line 28, 30, or 46 meansthat the zone is close to, but spaced apart from, that line 28, 30, or46. Firstly, an elongated straight VC SF zone is provided beyond theoutside edge of each baseline 28 for a singles/doubles court, orshortened baseline 28 for a singles-only court, to extend the fulllength of that baseline, or shortened baseline 28, while being spacedapart from it. The average distance from each such VC OBbaseline-adjacent SF zone to closest baseline, or shortened baseline, 28is usually no greater than the average length, termed the nominalbaseline just-out PA distance, of the longitudinally shortest ones ofprint areas 118 that would arise from balls impacting a VC OB BLA SFzone situated along the outside edge of each line, or shortened line, 28after being struck from locations close to opposite line, or shortenedline, 28 and then moving along trajectories approximately perpendicularto net 32, “PA” again meaning print-area. By employing VC OBbaseline-adjacent SF zones situated approximately the nominal baselinejust-out PA distance beyond baselines, or shortened baselines, 28, colorchanges occur in those VC SF zones only for balls impacting surface 102fully beyond lines, or shortened lines, 28 and thus only for balls thatare “out”.

Secondly, an elongated straight VC SF zone is provided slightly beyondthe outside edge of each half singles sideline in a singles-only courtto extend generally along, but spaced apart from, that half singlessideline starting from an imaginary straight line extending largelythrough the inside edge of shortened baseline 28 in that half court soas to terminate past the imaginary extended serviceline in that halfcourt either at the net line or short of the net line usually one fourthto three fourths of the distance from the imaginary extended servicelinein that half court to the net line. The average distance from each suchVC singles sideline-adjacent SF zone to closest singles sideline 30 isusually no greater than the average longitudinal width, termed thenominal sideline just-out PA distance, of print areas 118 that wouldarise from balls impacting a VC SLA SF zone situated along the outsideedge of the half of each sideline 30 in each half court after beingstruck from locations close to shortened baseline 28 in the oppositehalf court. Use of VC singles sideline-adjacent SF zones situatedapproximately the nominal sideline just-out PA distance beyond sidelines30 enables color changes in those VC SF zones to occur only for ballsimpacting fully beyond sidelines 30 and thus only for balls that are“out” in singles return play.

Thirdly, an elongated straight VC OB SF zone is provided slightly beyondthe outside edge of each half doubles sideline in a singles/doublescourt to extend generally along, but spaced apart from, that halfdoubles sideline starting from the imaginary straight line extendinglargely through the inside edge of baseline 28 in that half court so asto terminate past the imaginary extended serviceline in that half courteither at the net line or short of the net line usually one fourth tothree fourths of the distance from the imaginary extended serviceline inthat half court to the net line. The average distance from each such VCdoubles OB sideline-adjacent SF zone to closest doubles sideline 46 isusually no greater than the nominal sideline just-out PA distance. Byutilizing VC doubles OB sideline-adjacent SF zones situatedapproximately the nominal sideline just-out PA distance beyond lines 46,color changes in those VC SF zones occur only for balls impacting fullybeyond lines 46 and therefore only for balls that are “out” in doublesreturn play.

Any difference between the bounce characteristics of balls impacting thegrassy FC SF zones and the bounce characteristics of balls impacting thehard VC baseline-adjacent and singles sideline-adjacent SF zones duringsingles point play or impacting the hard VC baseline-adjacent anddoubles sideline-adjacent SF zones during doubles point play is largelyimmaterial for balls solely impacting those VC SF zones, or impactingthem along any of their outside edges, because those balls are “out” toimmediately end the points. The same usually applies to the largemajority of balls impacting the VC baseline-adjacent and singlessideline-adjacent SF zones along their inside edges during singles orimpacting the VC baseline-adjacent and doubles sideline-adjacent SFzones along their inside edges during doubles, especially when theaverage distance between each VC baseline-adjacent SF zone and closestbaseline 28 is approximately the nominal baseline just-out PA distanceand when the average distance between each VC singles sideline-adjacentSF zone and closest singles sideline 30 or between each VC doublessideline-adjacent SF zone and closest doubles sideline 46 isapproximately the nominal sideline just-out PA distance. A differencebetween the bounce characteristics of balls impacting the grassy FC SFzones in alleys 48 and the bounce characteristics of balls impacting thehard VC singles sideline-adjacent SF zones in alleys 48 may arise forballs impacting alleys 48 during doubles. Again, it is expected thatgood tennis players will generally readily adapt to such a difference inball-bounce characteristics.

Advantageously, balls simultaneously impacting each grassy baseline 28and the FC grassy area between that line 28 and the VC OBbaseline-adjacent SF zone closest to that line 28 usually do not incurany significant difference in ball-bounce characteristics even thoughgood velocity-restitution matching may not exist across surface 102. Thesame applies to balls simultaneously impacting each grassy singlessideline 30 and the FC grassy area between that sideline 30 and eitherVC singles sideline-adjacent SF zone closest to that line 30 in singlesand to balls simultaneously impacting each grassy doubles sideline 46and the FC grassy area between that line 46 and either VC doublessideline-adjacent SF zone closest to that line 46 in doubles. No printarea 118 is usually generated for any of these impacts. Since a ball(partly or fully) impacting a baseline 28, a singles sideline 30 duringsingles, or a doubles sideline 46 during doubles is “in” during returnplay, the absence of area 118 generally means that the ball is deemed tobe “in”.

Balls will occasionally fully impact the grassy area between each VC OBbaseline-adjacent SF zone and closest baseline 28 so that the balls are“out” with no print area 118 being generated because the balls do notimpact that VC OB baseline-adjacent SF zone. Balls will alsooccasionally fully impact the grassy area between each VCsideline-adjacent SF zone and closest sideline 30 or 46 so that theballs are “out” with no area 118 being generated because the balls donot impact that VC sideline-adjacent SF zone. Such balls may erroneouslybe deemed to be “in”. While this is disadvantageous, the disadvantage iswell more than overcome by the advantages described in the previousparagraph.

The VC OB BLA or baseline-adjacent SF zones are permanent parts of thegrass tennis court. The VC singles SLA or singles sideline-adjacent SFzones are permanent parts of the court especially if it lacks alleys 48and is thereby used only for singles. If the court has alleys 48 and isused for both singles and doubles, the VC singles SLA or singlessideline-adjacent SF zones can be SF zones of removable VC singles SLAor singles sideline-adjacent regions which are installed in the courtfor singles and can be readily (or easily) removed for doubles andrapidly replaced with corresponding FC regions. The removable VC singlesSLA or singles sideline-adjacent regions are reinstalled in the courtfor later singles play. As one alternative to using removable VC singlesSLA or singles sideline-adjacent regions, the IP structure containingthe court can include a capability for activating the VC singles SLA orsingles sideline-adjacent regions for singles and deactivating them fordoubles even though they are still physically present in doubles IB area42 during doubles. As another alternative to using removable VC singlesSLA or singles sideline-adjacent regions, the IP structure can include acapability for deactivating, during doubles, the parts of the VC singlesSLA or singles sideline-adjacent regions whose SF zones extend from theimaginary extended servicelines to baselines 28 even though theinactivated parts are still physically present in doubles IB area 42. Inthis case, the activated parts of the VC singles SLA or singlessideline-adjacent regions can be used in determining whether servedballs impacting surface 102 close to the parts of singles sidelines 30lying between servicelines 34 are “in” or “out” in doubles play.

The VC doubles SLA or doubles sideline-adjacent SF zones can bepermanent parts of the grass tennis court and thus be present duringboth singles and doubles. Alternatively, the VC doubles SLA or doublessideline-adjacent SF zones can be SF zones of removable or deactivatableVC doubles SLA or doubles sideline-adjacent regions handled in acomplementary way to the removable or deactivatable VC singles SLA orsingles sideline-adjacent SF regions. However, the presence of the VCdoubles SLA or doubles sideline-adjacent regions in OB area 24 duringsingles will usually have little effect on singles play because theplayers will only occasionally step on the doubles-SLA ordoubles-sideline-adjacent SF zones.

Each of the preceding ways and indicated alternatives is, of course,only a partial solution for using the present CC capability to assist inmaking rapid accurate in/out calls in play on grass tennis courts. Asidefrom served balls that impact close to singles sidelines 30, these waysand indicated alternatives for employing the CC capability in grasscourts do not provide assistance in determining whether served balls are“in” or “out”. However, in/out decisions on returned balls impactingsurface 102 close to baselines 28, singles sidelines 30 during singles,and doubles sidelines 46 during doubles are often the most difficultdeterminations to make. The preceding ways and indicated alternativesfor utilizing the CC capability in grass courts provide a substantialadvancement in making rapid accurate in/out calls.

The preceding description of ways to incorporate the CC capability intoa grass tennis court assumes that the ball-bounce and playershoe-traction characteristics should be constant across surface 102.However, the conditions and rules for sports change for various reasonsincluding technology advances. Improved accuracy in making in/outdeterminations on grass courts may be deemed more important than havingthe ball-bounce and player shoe-traction characteristics be constantacross surface 102, especially since conventional grass courts havesomewhat unpredictable ball-bounce characteristics compared to those ofhard-surface and clay tennis courts. It may be acceptable to implementthe CC capability into a grass court without significant regard to theball-bounce and player shoe-traction characteristics.

A tennis IP structure according to the invention may have less CCcapability than what occurs in either of IP structures 1230 and 1260 andtheir above-described variations. That is, one or more, but not all, ofthe VC LA SC, singles or doubles LA BC, doubles or singles OB LA, LA HA,and doubles or singles line structures may be absent depending onwhether the IP structure is for singles only or singles and doubles. Ingeneral, a singles-only tennis IP structure according to the inventionselectively contains one or more of the VC LA SC, singles LA BC, singlesOB LA, and singles line structures where the VC singles line structuremay consist of less VC singles line structure than the VC singles linestructure described above for structure 1230 or 1260. Similarly, asingles/doubles tennis IP structure according to the inventionselectively contains one or more of the VC LA SC, doubles LA BC, alley,doubles OB LA, and singles/doubles line structures where the VC doublesline structure may consist of less VC doubles line structure than whatextends to surface 102 at VC line area 1232T or 1262T. In one embodimentof a singles-only or singles/doubles IP structure, the CC capability isprovided only along the outsides of servicelines 34 and thus is usedonly in making serviceline in/out determinations on served balls. Thatis, units of SF zone 112 are embodied only with BC portions 1272extending along servicelines 34. This embodiment can be extended toembody units of SF zone 892 with serviceline parts 1262S.

Other Sports Implementations

In the following material, a description of three consecutivelyadjoining VC regions as being respectively embodied (or formed) with(units of) PP VC region 106, AD VC region 886, and FR VC region 906covers the situation in which the three regions are respectivelyembodied with regions 906, 886, and 106 because reference symbols “106”,“886”, and “906” and the adjective terms “PP”, “AD”, and “FR” for“principal”, “additional”, and “further are arbitrary designators and donot affect the substance of the embodiments. A description of the SFzones of the three VC regions as being respectively embodied with (unitsof) PP SF zone 112, AD SF zone 892, and FR SF zone 912 thus covers thesituation in which the three zones are respectively embodied with zones912, 892, and 112. A description of two adjoining VC regions as beingrespectively embodied with (units of) PP region 106 and AD region 886covers the situation in which the two regions are respectively embodiedwith regions 906 and 886. A description of the VC SF zones of the two VCregions as being respectively embodied with (units of) PP zone 112 andAD zone 892 covers the situation in which the two zones are respectivelyembodied with zones 912 and 892.

The adjectives “AD” and “FR” are interchangeable as applied to VCregions 886 and 906 and elements of those regions such as SF zones 892and 912. That is, “AD” region 886 and “AD” zone 892 are alternativelydescribable as “FR” region 886 and “FR” zone 892, and vice versa. “LA”,“ALA”, “BLA”, “ELA”, and “SLA” hereafter respectively meanline-adjoining, attack-line-adjoining, baseline-adjoining,endline-adjoining or end-line-adjoining, and sideline-adjoining orside-line-adjoining. “BV” hereafter means boundary-vicinity.

Instances occur below in which colors in different sports IP structureare identified with the same names because the lines and LA areaportions have the same, or substantially the same, names. In suchsituations, the name for each such color used in a sports IP structureonly applies to that sport structure except as otherwise indicated. Allparts of each closed boundary line are usually of the same normal-statecolor. Each pair of mirror-image regions typically employ normal-statecolor A, B, or C and changed-state color X, Y, or Z in the same way butcan use different embodiments of normal-state color A, B, or C andchanged-state color X, Y, or Z. The same applies to regions which are inopposite locations relative to a centerline but are not exactly mirrorimages as arises in the baseball/softball IP structure of FIG. 101,described below, if the outfield area is not symmetrical about the fieldcenterline through the centers of home plate and second base.

The FC structures or structure portions that laterally adjoin VCstructures or structure portions in the sports IP structures are notexpressly described below in order to shorten the description. However,for each recited FC area or area portion in a sports IP structure, thesports structure contains a corresponding FC structure or structureportion consisting of one or more units of FC region 108, 888, or 908extending to surface 102 at the FC area or area portion.

The core of each of the sports-playing IP structures of FIGS. 98-101described below is a general sports-playing OI structure implementedwith OI structure 900 (sometimes just OI structure 880) or, preferably,cell-containing OI structure 1100 (sometimes just OI structure 1080).Surface 102 of the general sports-playing OI structure includes at leastone finite-width line at or/and directly along which the present CCcapability is provided. Each such line, termed an object-related line,has opposite first and second edges. For each object-related line, thegeneral OI structure contains one or more of (a) a VC first-edge LAstructure part formed with at least one unit of VC region 106 extendingto surface 102 at a VC first-edge LA area part that adjoins the firstedge of the line at least partly along its length and normally appearingalong the first-edge LA area part as PP color A, (b) a VC line structurepart formed with at least one unit of VC region 886 extending to surface102 at a VC line part extending between the edges of the line at leastpartly along its length and normally appearing along the line part as FRcolor B, and (c) a VC second-edge LA structure part formed with a leastone unit of VC region 906 extending to surface 102 at a VC second-edgeLA area part that adjoins the second edge of the line at least partlyalong its length and normally appearing along the second-edge LA areapart as FR color C.

The following operational explanation applies to one object-related linefor which its VC line structure part and both of its VC LA structureparts are present in the general OI structure. In the absence ofintelligent control provided by controller 1114/1134, IDVC portion 138of the first-edge structure part responds to object 104 impacting thefirst-edge area part at OC area 116 by temporarily appearing as changedcolor X if the impact meets PP basic TH impact criteria of thatfirst-edge structure part. The first-edge structure part preferablyincludes components 182 and 184 typically implemented as in OI structure200. IS segment 192 provides the PP general impact effect in response tothe impact if it meets the PP basic TH impact criteria. CC segment 194responds to the PP impact effect, if provided, by causing portion 138 totemporarily appear as color X.

Absent intelligent control, IDVC portion 926 of the line structure partresponds to object 104 impacting the line structure part at OC area 896by temporarily appearing as altered color Y if the impact meets AD basicTH impact criteria of the line structure part. The line structure partpreferably includes IS component 932 and CC component 934 typicallyimplemented as in OI structure 930. The ID segment of IS component 932provides the AD general impact effect in response to the impact if itmeets the AD basic TH impact criteria. The ID segment of CC component934 responds to the AD impact effect, if provided, by causing portion926 to temporarily appear as color Y.

An FR IDVC portion of the second-edge structure part responds, absentintelligent control, to object 104 impacting the second-edge area partat OC area 916 by temporarily appearing as modified color Z if theimpact meets FR basic TH impact criteria of the second-edge structurepart. The second-edge structure part preferably includes an IS componentand a CC component typically implemented the same as CC component 184 inOI structure 200. An ID segment of the IS component provides an FRgeneral impact effect in response to the impact if it meets the FR basicTH impact criteria. An ID segment of the CC component responds to the FRimpact effect, if provided, by causing the FR IDVC portion totemporarily appear as color Z.

Each of these sports-playing IP structures usually contains CCcontroller 1114 or 1134 either for implementing IP structure 1110 or1130 that includes OI structure 900 or 1100 or for implementing IPstructure 1170 or 1200 that includes OI structure 900 or 1100 and IGsystem 1152 or 1182. The following specifically occurs when controller1114 is implemented as an intelligent controller for assistance inmaking specified impact determinations for the object-related line.

IDVC portion 138 of the first-edge structure part responds to object 104impacting the first-edge area part at OC area 116 by providing the PPgeneral CI impact signal if the impact meets the PP basic TH impactcriteria of the first-edge structure part. The impact signal identifiesan expected location of print area 118 in the first-edge area part andPP supplementary impact information for the impact. Controller 1114responds to the impact signal by determining whether the PPsupplementary impact information meets PP supplementary impact criteriaof the first-edge structure part and, if so, provides a PP general CCinitiation signal to which portion 138 responds by temporarily appearingas changed color X. When the VC first-edge structure part includescomponents 182 and 184, IS segment 192 provides an impact signal inresponse to the impact if it meets the PP basic TH impact criteria. CCsegment 194 responds to the initiation signal, if provided, by causingthat portion 138 of to temporarily appear as color X.

IDVC portion 926 of the VC line structure part responds to object 104impacting the line area part at OC area 896 by providing the AD generalCI impact signal if the impact meets the AD basic TH impact criteria ofthe line structure part. The impact signal identifies an expectedlocation of print area 898 in the line and AD supplementary impactinformation for the impact. Controller 1114 responds to the impactsignal by determining whether the AD supplementary impact informationmeets AD supplementary impact criteria of the line structure part and,if so, provides the AD general CC initiation signal to which portion 926responds by temporarily appearing as altered color Y. When the linestructure part includes components 932 and 934, the ID segment of IScomponent 932 provides an impact signal in response to the impact if itmeets the basic TH impact criteria. The ID segment of CC component 934responds to the initiation signal, if provided, by causing portion 926to temporarily appear as color Y.

The FR IDVC portion of the second-edge structure part responds to object104 impacting the second-edge area part at OC area 916 by providing theFR general CI impact signal if the impact meets the FR basic TH impactcriteria of the second-edge structure part. The impact signal identifiesan expected location of print area 918 in the second-edge area part andFR supplementary impact information for the impact. Controller 1114responds to the impact signal by determining whether the FRsupplementary impact information meets FR supplementary impact criteriaof the second-edge structure part and, if so, provides the FR general CCinitiation signal to which the FR IDVC portion responds by temporarilyappearing as modified color Z. When the second-edge structure partincludes IS and CC components, an ID segment of the IS componentprovides an impact signal in response to the impact if it meets thebasic TH impact criteria. An ID segment of the CC component responds tothe initiation signal, if provided, by causing the FR IDVC portion totemporarily appear as color Z.

The operation is basically the same when each sports-playing IPstructure contains controller 1134 implemented as an intelligentcontroller for assistance in making the specified impact determinations.The PP, AD, or FR cellular CI impact signals provided from all TH CMcells 404, 1084, or 1104 to controller 1134 form the PP, AD, or FRgeneral CI impact signal. The PP, AD, or FR cellular CC initiationsignals provided by controller 1134 to all full CM cells 404, 1084, or1104 form the PP general CC initiation signal. Additionally,simultaneous impact on the line and first-edge area part or/and thesecond-edge area part is handled as described above for simultaneousimpact on SF zones 892 and 112 or/and 912.

Controller 1114/1134 may use the location-dependent version of the CCcapability to control the color changing so that IDVC portion 138 of thefirst-edge structure part appears as one of p changed colors XJ₁, XJ₂, .. . XJ_(p) dependent on where print area 118 occurs in SF zone 112or/and the FR IDVC portion of the second-edge structure part appears asone of r modified colors ZL₁, ZL₂, . . . ZL_(r) dependent on where printarea 918 occurs in SF zone 912. That is, changed color X is specificchanged color XJ; when area 118 satisfies location criterion LJ_(i) of plocation criteria LJ₁, LJ₂, . . . LJ_(p) or/and modified color Z isspecific modified color ZL_(i) when area 918 satisfies locationcriterion LL_(i) of r location criteria LL₁, LL₂, . . . LL_(r). Thelocation-dependent CC capability can be performed by having controller1114 respond to the LI or CI general impact signal in the rudimentary oradvanced general embodiment described above or by having controller 1134respond to the LI or CI cellular impact signals in the rudimentary oradvanced cellular embodiment described above. Changed color X istypically (i) changed color XJ₁ if area 118 adjoins the line and (ii)changed color XJ₂ if area 118 is spaced apart from the line. Modifiedcolor Z is typically (i) modified color ZL₁ if area 918 adjoins the lineand (ii) modified color ZL₂ if area 918 is spaced apart from the line.

FIG. 98 illustrates a basketball IP structure 1300 containing OIstructure 900 or, preferably, cell-containing OI structure 1100incorporated into a U.S. collegiate basketball court to form abasketball-playing structure that provides assistance in making OB andthree-point-shot eligibility determinations. Surface 102 consists of arectangular IB area 1302 and an annular OB area 1304 directlysurrounding IB area 1302. IB area 1302 is defined inwardly by the insideedges of two opposite equal-width parallel straight baselines 1306S and1306T (collectively “1306”) and the inside edges of two oppositeequal-width parallel straight sidelines 1308U and 1308V (collectively“1308”) extending between baselines 1306. Each line 1306 or 1308 is anopen boundary line. Lines 1306 and 1308 together form a rectangularclosed boundary line 1306/1308 whose inside edge is a closed boundaryfor area 1302.

A straight midcourt line 1310 divides IB area 1302 into two equal-sizerectangular half courts 1312S and 1312T. A center circle 1314 isconcentric with the center of area 1302. The basketball-playingstructure includes two baskets 1316S and 1316T respectively attached totwo backboards 1318S and 1318T situated above area 1302 respectivelynear baselines 1306S and 1306T and spaced equally apart from sidelines1308.

Each half court 1312S or 1312T has (a) a rectangular free-throw lane1320S or 1320T located midway between sidelines 1308 and defined bybaseline 1306S or 1306T, a straight free-throw line 1322S or 1322Tparallel to line 1306S or 1306T, and two straight parallel lane lines1324S or 1324T extending between, and perpendicular to, lines 1306S and1322S or 1306T and 1322T, basket 1316S or 1316T being located above partof free-throw lane 1320S or 1320T near baseline 1306S or 1306T, (b) asemicircular free-throw shooting area 1326S or 1326T extending away fromlane 1320S or 1320T and defined by line 1322S or 1322T and asemicircular back line 1328S or 1328T, (c) a restricted area 1330S or1330T located within lane 1320S or 1320T below basket 1316S or 1316T anddefined by a curved restricted-area line 1332S or 1332T and a straightline located largely below backboard 1318S or 1318T, and (d) a curvedthree-point (“3P”) line 1334S or 1334T located outside lane 1320S or1320T and free-throw area 1326S or 1326T and extending to baseline 1306Sor 1306T at two locations spaced equally apart from sidelines 1308.Restricted-area line 1332S or 1332T and 3P line 1334S or 1334T each havea semicircular portion whose vertex is approximately concentric with thecenter of a vertical projection of basket 1316S or 1316T onto surface102. All finite-width lines, including boundary lines 1306 and 1308,restricted-area lines 1332S and 1332T (collectively “1332”), and 3Plines 1334S and 1334T (collectively “1334”), are usually approximately 5cm wide.

A basketball goes out of bounds if it impacts any of boundary lines 1306and 1308. The same applies to a basketball player. Hence, lines 1306 and1308 are parts of OB area 1304. The inside edge of each of lines 1306and 1308 is its critical edge for determining whether object 104embodied with a basketball or part, such as a shoe, of a basketballplayer impacting surface 102 at/near any of lines 1306 and 1308 is in orout of bounds. Each 3P line 1334S or 1334T has near (or inside) and far(or outside) edges respectively nearest to and farthest from its basket1316S or 1316T. Two points are awarded for a basket made on a shot takeninside each 3P line 1334S and 1334T, i.e., in a two-point area 1336S or1336T between line 1334S or 1334T and baseline 1306S or 1306T, at basket1316S or 1316T. Three points are awarded for a basket made on an IB shottaken outside each line 1334S or 1334T at basket 1316S or 1316T providedthat at least one shoe of the player shooting the basketball (or foot ifthe player is bare-footed) contacts the court behind line 1334S or 1334Timmediately prior to the shot. Also, a shot at basket 1316S or 1316T isineligible for three points, and is thus eligible only for two points,if any part, e.g., either shoe, of the shooter contacts line 1334S or1334T or/and impacts surface 102 inside line 1334S or 1334T during theshot. For object 104 embodied with a shoe of a player, the far edge ofeach line 1334 is its critical edge for determining whether a shotqualifies as a 3P shot.

A narrow elongated straight part 1338S or 1338T of IB area 1302 directlyalong the inside edge of each baseline 1306S or 1306T forms, as highestCC location priority for lines 1306, a composite VC inside-edge BLA areapart. Each composite VC inside-edge BLA part 1338S or 1338Tdiscontinuously consists of (a) a first end VC inside-edge BLA area part(or subpart) 1338SU or 1338TU lying fully along the part of baseline1306S or 1306T extending between sideline 1308U and the nearest end of3P line 1334S or 1334T, (b) a central VC inside-edge BLA area part (orsubpart) 1338SC or 1338TC lying fully along the part of baseline 1306Sor 1306T extending between the opposite ends of 3P line 1334S or 1334T,and (c) a second end VC inside-edge BLA area part (or subpart) 1338SV or1338TV lying fully along the part of baseline 1306S or 1306T extendingbetween sideline 1308V and the nearest end of 3P line 1334S or 1334T.Each VC inside-edge BLA part 1338SU, 1338SC, 1338SV, 1338TU, 1338TC, or1338TV embodies a unit of SF zone 112. A narrow elongated straight part1340U or 1340V of area 1302 lying fully along the inside edge of eachsideline 1308U or 1308V forms, as highest CC location priority for lines1308, a VC inside-edge SLA area part embodying a unit of zone 112. VCinside-edge LA parts 1338S and 1338T (collectively “1338”) and 1340U and1340V (collectively “1340”) form a rectangular annular VC inside-edge BVLA area portion 1342. As highest CC location priority for 3P lines 1334,a narrow curved part 1344S or 1344T of area 1302 lying fully along thefar (or outside) edge of each line 1334S or 1334T, i.e., the edgefarthest from basket 1316S or 1316T, forms a VC far-edge 3P LA area partembodying a unit of zone 112.

Each baseline 1306 is, as next highest CC location priority for lines1306, a VC baseline area part embodying a unit of SF zone 892. Eachsideline 1308 is, as next highest CC location priority for lines 1308, aVC sideline area part embodying a unit of zone 892. Boundary lines 1306and 1308 form a rectangular annular VC boundary line area 1346. As nexthighest CC location priority for 3P lines 1334, each line 1334 is a VCthree-point-line (“3PL”) area part embodying a unit of zone 892.

The FC part 1348 of IB area 1302 bounded by LA parts 1344S, 1344T,1338SU, 1338SV, 1338TU, 1338TV, and 1340 embodies a unit of SF zone 114.OB area 1304 is an FC area part embodying a unit of SF zone 894. The FCremainder 1350S or 1350T of each two-point area 1336S or 1336T boundedby BLA part 1338SC or 1338TC and 3P line 1334S or 1334T embodies both(a) a unit of zone 114 for the unit of SF zone 112 embodied with part1338SC or 1338TC and (b) a unit of zone 894 for the unit of SF zone 892embodied with line 1334S or 1334T. These units of zones 114 and 894embody the same FC SF zone.

A narrow elongated straight part 1352S or 1352T of OB area 1304 lyingfully along the outside edge of each baseline 1306S or 1306T optionallyforms a VC outside-edge BLA area part embodying a unit of SF zone 912. Anarrow elongated straight part 1354U or 1354V of area 1304 lying fullyalong the outside edge of each sideline 1308U or 1308V optionally formsa VC outside-edge SLA area part embodying a unit of zone 912. VCoutside-edge LA parts 1352S and 1352T (collectively “1352”) and 1354Uand 1354V (collectively “1354”) form a rectangular annular VCoutside-edge BV LA area portion 1356. A narrow curved elongated part1358S or 1358T of IB area 1302 lying fully along the near (or inside)edge of each 3P line 1334S or 1334T, i.e., the edge nearest basket 1316Sor 1316T, optionally forms a VC near-edge 3P LA area part embodying aunit of zone 912.

For the preceding options, the resultant smaller FC remainder 1360S or1360T of each two-point area 1336S or 1336T, i.e., the part bounded byBLA part 1338SC or 1338TC and 3P LA part 1358S or 1358T, embodies both(a) a unit of SF zone 114 for the unit of SF zone 112 embodied with BLApart 1338SC or 1338TC and (b) a unit of SF zone 914 for the unit of SFzone 912 embodied with 3P LA part 1358S or 1358T. These units of zones114 and 914 embody the same FC SF zone. The annular FC remainder 1362 ofOB area 1304 bounded by LA area portion 1356 embodies a unit of zone914.

A VC structure part of IP structure 1300 extends to surface 102 at eachof lines 1306, 1308, and 1334 and VC LA area parts 1338, 1340, 1344S and1344T (collectively “1344”), 1352, 1354, and 1358S and 1358T(collectively “1358”). In particular, IP structure 1300 includes (a)composite VC inside-edge BLA structure consisting of two composite VCinside-edge BLA structure parts extending to surface 102 respectively atcomposite inside-edge BLA area parts 1338, (b) VC inside-edge SLAstructure consisting of two VC inside-edge SLA structure partsrespectively formed with two units of VC region 106 and extending tosurface 102 respectively at inside-edge SLA area parts 1340, (c) VCbaseline structure consisting of two VC baseline structure partsrespectively formed with two units of VC region 886 and extending tosurface 102 respectively at baselines 1306, (d) VC sideline structureconsisting of two VC sideline structure parts respectively formed withtwo units of region 886 and extending to surface 102 respectively atsidelines 1308, (e) VC outside-edge BLA structure consisting of two VCoutside-edge BLA structure parts respectively formed with two units ofVC region 906 and extending to surface 102 respectively at outside-edgeBLA area parts 1352, (f) VC outside-edge SLA structure consisting of twoVC outside-edge SLA structure parts respectively formed with two unitsof region 906 and extending to surface 102 respectively at outside-edgeSLA area parts 1354, (g) VC far-edge 3P LA structure consisting of twoVC far-edge 3P LA structure parts respectively formed with two units ofregion 106 and extending to surface 102 respectively at far-edge 3P LAarea parts 1344, (h) VC 3PL structure consisting of two VC 3PL structureparts respectively formed with two units of region 886 and extending tosurface 102 respectively at 3P lines 1334, and (i) VC near-edge 3P LAstructure consisting of two VC near-edge 3P LA structure partsrespectively formed with two units of region 906 and extending tosurface 102 respectively at near-edge 3P LA area parts 1358.

The composite VC inside-edge BLA structure consists of (i) two first endVC inside-edge BLA structure parts (or subparts) respectively formedwith two units of VC region 106 and extending to surface 102respectively at first end inside-edge BLA area parts 1338SU and 1338TU,(i) two central VC inside-edge BLA structure parts (or subparts)respectively formed with two units of region 106 and extending tosurface 102 respectively at central inside-edge BLA area parts 1338SCand 1338TC, and (iii) two second end VC inside-edge BLA structure parts(or subparts) respectively formed with two units of region 106 andextending to surface 102 respectively at second end inside-edge BLA areaparts 1338SV and 1338TV.

Each VC inside-edge BLA structure part normally appears along its BLAarea part 1338S or 1338T as a PP BV color AIS or AIT embodying PP colorA. Each VC inside-edge SLA structure part normally appears along its SLAarea part 1340U or 1340V as a PP BV color Al U or AIV embodying color A.Each VC inside-edge BLA or SLA structure part is thus a VC inside-edgeBV LA structure part normally appearing along its LA area part 1338S,1338T, 1340U, or 1340V as color AIS, AIT, AIU, or AIV. Each VC baselinestructure part normally appears along its baseline 1306S or 1306T as anAD BV color BBS or BBT embodying AD color B. Each VC sideline structurepart normally appears along its sideline 1308U or 1308V as an AD BVcolor BBU or BBV embodying color B. Hence, each VC baseline or sidelinestructure part is a VC BV line structure part normally appearing alongits boundary line 1306S, 1306T, 1308U, or 1308V as color BBS, BBT, BBU,or BBV. Each VC outside-edge BLA structure part normally appears alongits BLA area part 1352S or 1352T as an FR BV color COS or COT embodyingFR color C. Each VC outside-edge SLA structure part normally appearsalong its SLA area part 1354U or 1354V as an FR BV color COU or COVembodying color C. Each VC outside-edge BLA or SLA structure part istherefore a VC outside-edge BV LA structure part normally appearingalong its LA area part 1352S, 1352T, 1354U, or 1354V as color COS, COT,COU, or COV.

IDVC portion 138 of each VC inside-edge BV LA structure part responds toobject 104 impacting LA area part 1338S, 1338T, 1340U, or 1340V of thatstructure part at OC area 116 as described above for the general OIstructure without intelligent control with changed color X embodied as achanged BV color XIS, XIT, XIU, or XIV materially different from PP BVcolor AIS, AIT, AIU, or AIV. IDVC portion 926 of each VC BV linestructure part responds to object 104 impacting boundary line 1306S,1306T, 1308U, or 1308V of that structure part at OC area 896 asprescribed for the general OI structure without intelligent control withaltered color Y embodied as an altered BV color YBS, YBT, YBU, or YBVmaterially different from AD BV color BBS, BBT, BBU, or BBV. An FR IDVCportion of each VC outside-edge BV LA structure part responds to object104 impacting LA area part 1352S, 1352T, 1354U, or 1354V at OC area 916of that structure part as prescribed for the general OI structurewithout intelligent control with modified color Z embodied as a modifiedBV color ZOS, ZOT, ZOU, or ZOV materially different from FR BV colorCOS, COT, COU, or COV.

Each VC far-edge 3P LA structure part normally appears along its LA areapart 1344S or 1344T as a PP three-point-line-vicinity (“3PLV”) color A3Sor A3T embodying PP color A. Each VC 3PL structure part normally appearsalong its 3P line 1334S or 1334T as an AD 3PLV color B3S or B3Tembodying AD color B. Each VC near-edge 3P LA structure part normallyappears along its LA area part 1358S or 1358T as an FR 3PLV color C3S orC3T embodying FR color C.

IDVC portion 138 of each VC far-edge 3P LA structure part can respond toobject 104 impacting LA area part 1344S or 1344T of that structure partat OC area 116 as described above for the general OI structure withoutintelligent control with changed color X embodied as a changed 3PLVcolor X3S or X3T materially different from PP 3PLV color A3S or A3T.IDVC portion 926 of each VC 3PL structure part can respond to object 104impacting 3P line 1334S or 1334T of that structure part at OC area 896as prescribed for the general OI structure without intelligent controlwith altered color Y embodied as an altered 3PLV color Y3S or Y3Tmaterially different from AD 3PLV color B3S or B3T. An FR IDVC portionof each VC near-edge 3P LA structure part can respond to object 104impacting LA area part 1358S or 1358T of that structure part at OC area916 as prescribed for the general OI structure without intelligentcontrol with modified color Z embodied as a modified 3PLV color Z3S orZ3T materially different from FR 3PLV color C3S or C3T.

IP structure 1300 usually contains CC controller 1114 for implementingone of IP structures 1110 and 1170 or CC controller 1134 forimplementing one of IP structure 1130 and 1200. Controller 1114/1134operates as an intelligent controller for making 3P-shot qualificationdeterminations. If an impact at or near either 3P line 1334 meets thePP, AD, FR, or CP TH impact criteria, controller 1114/1134 determineswhether the PP, AD, FR, or CP supplemental impact information meets thePP, AD, FR, or CP supplemental impact criteria for surface 102 beingimpacted by a person's shoe, specifically a basketball shoe, embodyingobject 104. Color change occurs along one or more of lines 1334,far-edge 3P LA parts 1344, and near-edge 3P LA parts 1358 only when theimpact characteristics meet the PP, AD, FR, or CP expanded impactcriteria for a person's shoe impacting surface 102. Impact of abasketball on either of lines 1334 or any of adjoining parts 1344 and1358 usually does not cause a color change.

3P shots in each half court 1312S or 1312T are almost always taken withthe shooter generally facing basket 1316S or 1316T and with theshooter's shoes generally pointed toward basket 1316S or 1316T. Takingthis into account, the PP, AD, FR, or CP supplemental impact criteriacan require that each shoe be generally pointed toward basket 1316S or1316T. No color change occurs if at least one shoe is pointing away frombasket 1316S or 1316T, thereby largely avoiding color undesired changesdue to non-shooting activities when a shoe is pointed away from basket1316S or 1316T. More particularly, letting the contact area for a shoeon surface 102 have a longitudinal axis defined, e.g., as a straightline extending between the area's two most distant points so as to matcha straight line extending between the shoe's two most distant points,the PP, AD, FR, or CP supplemental impact criteria for 3P shot attemptscan require that the angle between the longitudinal axis of the shoe'scontact area and a radial line extending from the vertex of associated3P line 1334S or 1334T be no more than a selected value, usually 30°,potentially 20° or even 15°, with the shoe pointed toward basket 1316Sor 1316T. Implementing the PP, AD, FR, and CP supplemental impactcriteria in this way substantially reduces the occurrences ofunneeded/unwanted color changes when a shoe of a player not shooting thebasketball impacts any of 3P lines 1334 and 3P LA parts 1344 and 1358.

The following specifically occurs when controller 1114/1134 isimplemented as an intelligent controller for assistance in making3P-shot qualification determinations. Controller 1114/1134 and IDVCportion 138 of each VC far-edge 3P LA structure part respond to object104 impacting LA area part 1344S or 1344T of that structure part at OCarea 116 as described above for the general OI structure withintelligent control with changed color X embodied as changed 3PLV colorX3S or X3T. Controller 1114/1134 and IDVC portion 926 of each VC 3PLstructure part respond to object 104 impacting 3P line 1334S or 1334T ofthat structure part at OC area 896 as prescribed for the general OIstructure with intelligent control with altered color Y embodied asaltered 3PLV color Y3S or Y3T. Controller 1114/1134 and an FR IDVCportion of each VC near-edge 3P LA structure part respond to object 104impacting LA area part 1358S or 1358T of that structure part at OC area916 as prescribed for the general OI structure with intelligent controlwith modified color Z embodied as modified 3PLV color Z3S or Z3T.

Controller 1114/1134 preferably uses the location-dependent version ofthe CC capability to control the color changing so that IDVC portion 138of the VC far-edge 3P LA structure part for each 3P line 1334S or 1334Tappears as (i) a first changed color X3S1 or X3T1 if print area 118 ofVC far-edge 3P LA part 1344S or 1344T adjoins line 1334S or 1334T and(ii) a second changed color X3S₂ or X3T₂ different from color X3S₁ orX3T₁ if area 118 of part 1344S or 1344T is spaced apart from line 1334Sor 1334T. During a shot, the appearance of area 118 of the far-edge 3PLA structure part for each line 1334S or 1334T as color X3S₁ or X3T₁,preferably the same color X₁, indicates that the shot fails to qualifyas a 3P shot attempt because having area 118 of part 1344S or 1344Tadjoin line 1334S or 1334T means that a shoe of the shooter impactedline 1334S or 1334T whereas the appearance of that LA structure part ascolor X3S₂ or X3T₂, preferably the same color X₂, indicates that theshot qualifies as a 3P shot because having area 118 of part 1344S or1344T be spaced apart from line 1334S or 1334T means that the shooter'sshoe was suitably behind line 1334S or 1334T at the beginning of theshot. A viewer, e.g., an official, can nearly always determine whether ashot qualifies as a 3P shot by simply examining the color of area 118.

It is usually sufficient for controller 1114/1134 to operate as aduration controller for making OB determinations in IP structure 1300.If controller 1114/1134 is to operate as an intelligent controller formaking OB determinations, the inside-edge BV LA structure parts, theirarea parts 1338 and 1340, the BV line structure parts, their lines 1306and 1308, the outside-edge BV LA structure parts, and their area parts1352 and 1354 interact with controller 1114/1134 the same as the VCfar-edge 3P LA structure parts, their area parts 1344, the 3PL structureparts, their lines 1334, the near-edge 3P LA structure parts, and theirarea parts 1358 respectively interact with controller 1114/1134operating as an intelligent controller subject to the PP, AD, FR, and CPsupplemental impact criteria being criteria for a basketball and/or aperson's shoe, specifically a basketball shoe, impacting surface 102.

The invention's CC capability can be implemented along eachrestricted-area line 1332S or 1332T to assist in determining whetherboth shoes of a defensive player are outside restricted area 1330S or1330T so that the player is eligible for taking a charge by an offensiveplayer. Inasmuch as having either shoe on or inside line 1332S or 1332Tfor the defensive player makes that player ineligible to take a charge,a narrow curved part of IB area 1302 extending fully along the far (oroutside) edge of each line 1332S or 1332T, i.e., the edge farthest frombasket 1316S or 1316T, embodies a unit of SF zone 112. Each line 1332Sor 1332T preferably embodies a unit of SF zone 892. A narrow curved partof area 1302 extending fully along the near (or inside) edge of eachline 1332S or 1332T, i.e., the edge nearest basket 1316S or 1316T,optionally embodies a unit of SF zone 912. Controller 1114/1134preferably operates as an intelligent controller in regard to lines 1332so that color change along one or more of each line 1332 and theadjoining area portions occurs only when the impact characteristics meetthe PP, AD, FR, or CP expanded impact criteria for a shoe.

Instead of having color change occur automatically when the PP, AD, FR,or CP expanded impact criteria are met, color change can be delayed tooccur only in response to external instruction provided, e.g., by abasketball official. In this way, a non-shooting or non-chargingactivity that meets the PP, AD, FR, or CP expanded impact criteria canbe prevented from causing a color change.

FIG. 99 illustrates a volleyball IP structure 1380 containing OIstructure 900 or, preferably, cell-containing OI structure 1100,incorporated into a U.S. collegiate volleyball court to form avolleyball-playing structure that provides assistance in making serviceend-line violation, OB, and attack-line violation determinations.Surface 102 consists of a rectangular IB area 1382 and an annular OBarea 1384 directly surrounding IB area 1382. IB area 1382 is definedinwardly by the outside edges of two opposite equal-width parallelstraight end lines 1386S and 1386T (collectively “1386”) and the outsideedges of two opposite equal-width parallel straight side lines 1388U and1388V (collectively “1388”) extending between end lines 1386. Each line1386 or 1388 is an open boundary line. Lines 1386 and 1388 together forma rectangular closed boundary line 1386/1388 whose outside edge is aclosed boundary for area 1382.

IP structure 1380 further includes an elevated volleyball net 1390situated above a straight centerline 1392 extending parallel to endlines 1386 and spaced equally apart from them to divide IB area 1382into two rectangular half courts 1394S and 1394T. Each half court 1394Sor 1394T has a straight attack line 1396S or 1396T extending betweenside lines 1388 parallel to end lines 1386. Each attack line 1396S or1396T is located between centerline 1392 and end line 1386S or 1386T fordividing half court 1394S or 1394T into (a) a rectangular back court1398S or 1398T extending to end line 1386S or 1386T and (b) arectangular front court 1400S or 1400T extending to centerline 1392. Allfinite-width lines, including boundary lines 1386 and 1388 and attacklines 1396S and 1396T (collectively “1396”), are usually approximately 5cm wide. Each attack line 1396 has near and far edges respectivelynearest to and farthest from centerline 1392.

A volleyball point begins with an effort by a player, the server,positioned in a service zone behind end line 1386 to hit a volleyballover net 1390 using one hand or arm. A service end-line violation occursif either foot, i.e., either shoe of the server, impacts back court1398S or 1398T, including end line 1386S or 1386T, before the volleyballleaves the server's hand or arm. For object 104 embodied with a shoe ofa player, the outside edge of each line 1386 is its critical edge fordetermining whether a service end-line violation has occurred. Avolleyball is “in” if it contacts any of boundary lines 1386 and 1388and is “out” only if it contacts surface 102 fully outside lines 1386and 1388. Accordingly, lines 1386 and 1388 are parts of IB area 1382.The outside edge of each of lines 1386 and 1388 is its critical edge fordetermining whether object 104 embodied with a volleyball impactingsurface 102 at/near any of lines 1386 and 1388 is “in” or “out”.

Each team playing volleyball consists of six players, three of which aredesignated as back-court players for each volleyball point. A back-courtplayer in half court 1394S or 1394T is permitted to attack (hit forward)a volleyball fully above the net height at the instant of contact onlyif both of the player's feet, specifically both shoes, are behind attackline 1396S or 1396T immediately prior to attacking the volleyball. Theback-court player may be elevated above surface 102, including abovefront court 1400S or 1400T, during the attack provided that neitherfoot, i.e., neither shoe, impacts front court 1400S or 1400T before theattack is completed. For object 104 embodied with a shoe of a player,the far edge of each attack line 1396 is its critical edge fordetermining whether an attack-line violation has occurred.

A narrow elongated straight part 1402S or 1402T of OB area 1384 lyingfully along the outside edge of each end line 1386S or 1386T forms, ashighest CC location priority for determining service end-line violationsand making OB determinations for lines 1386, a VC outside-edge ELA areapart embodying a unit of SF zone 112. A narrow elongated straight part1404U or 1404V of area 1384 lying fully along the outside edge of eachside line 1388U or 1388V forms, as highest CC location priority formaking OB determinations for lines 1388, a VC outside-edge SLA area partembodying a unit of zone 112. VC outside-edge LA parts 1402S and 1402T(collectively “1402”) and 1404U and 1404V (collectively “1404”) form aVC outside-edge BV LA area portion 1406. As highest CC location priorityfor attack lines 1396, a narrow elongated straight part 1408S or 1408Tof IB area 1382 lying fully along the far edge of each line 1396S or1396T, i.e., the edge farthest from centerline 1392, forms a VC far-edgeALA area part embodying a unit of zone 112.

Each end line 1386S or 1386T forms, as next highest CC location priorityfor determining service end-line violations and making OB determinationsfor lines 1386, a VC end-line area part 1410S or 1410T embodying a unitof SF zone 892. Each side line 1388U or 1388V forms, as next highest CClocation priority for making OB determinations for lines 1388, a VCside-line area part 1412U or 1412V embodying a unit of zone 892.Boundary-line parts 1410S and 1410T (collectively “1410”) and 1412U and1412V (collectively “1412”) form a rectangular annular VC boundary linearea 1414. As next highest CC location priority for attack lines 1396,each line 1396S or 1396T is a VC attack-line area part 1416S or 1416Tembodying a unit of zone 892.

The annular FC remainder 1418 of OB area 1384 beyond boundary line area1414 embodies a unit of SF zone 114. The rectangular FC remainder 1420Sor 1420T of back court 1398S or 1398T bounded by end line 1386S or1386T, ALA part 1408S or 1408T, and the intervening parts of side lines1388 embodies both (a) a unit of zone 114 for the unit of SF zone 112embodied with part 1408S or 1408T and (b) a unit of SF zone 894 for theunits of SF zone 892 embodied with end line 1386S or 1386T and sidelines 1388. Each pair of units of zones 114 and 894 embody the same FCSF zone. The rectangular FC remainder 1422 of front courts 1400S and1400T bounded by attack lines 1396 and the intervening parts of sidelines 1388 embodies a unit of zone 894.

A narrow elongated straight part 1424S or 1424T of back court 1398S or1398T lying fully along the inside edge of each end line 1386S or 1386Toptionally forms, for determining service end-line violations and makingOB determinations for lines 1386, a VC inside-edge ELA area partembodying a unit of SF zone 912. A narrow elongated straight part 1426Uor 1426V of IB area 1382 directly along the inside edge of each sideline 1388U or 1388V optionally forms, for making OB determinations forlines 1388, a composite VC inside-edge SLA area part. Each composite VCinside-edge SLA part 1426U or 1426V discontinuously consists of (a) afirst end VC inside-edge SLA area part (or subpart) 1426US or 1426VSlying fully along the part of side line 1388U or 1388V betweeninside-edge ELA part 1424S and far-edge ALA part 1408S, (b) a central VCinside-edge SLA area part (or subpart) 1426UC or 1426VC lying fullyalong the part of side line 1388U or 1388V between attack lines 1396,and (c) a second end VC inside-edge SLA area part (or subpart) 1426UT or1426VT lying fully along the part of side line 1388U or 1388V betweeninside-edge ELA part 1424T and far-edge ALA part 1408T. Each VCinside-edge SLA part 1426US, 1426UC, 1426UT, 1426VS, 1426VC, or 1426VTembodies a unit of zone 912. Inside-edge LA parts 1424S and 1424T(collectively “1424”) and 1426U and 1426V (collectively “1426”)discontinuously form a rectangular annular VC inside-edge BV LA areaportion 1428. A narrow elongated straight part 1430S or 1430T of frontcourt 1400S or 1400T lying fully along the near edge of each attack line1396S or 1396T optionally forms a VC near-edge ALA area part embodying aunit of zone 912.

For the preceding options, the resultant smaller rectangular FCremainder 1432S or 1432T of each back court 1398S or 1398T, i.e., thepart bounded by ALA part 1408S or 1408T, ELA part 1424S or 1424T, andSLA parts 1426US and 1426VS or 1426UT and 1426VT, embodies both (a) aunit of SF zone 114 for the unit of SF zone 112 embodied with ALA part1408S or 1408T and (b) a unit of SF zone 914 for the units of SF zone912 embodied with ELA part 1424S or 1424T and SLA parts 1426US and1426VS or 1426UT and 1426VT. These units of zones 114 and 914 embody thesame FC SF zone. The resultant smaller rectangular FC remainder 1434 offront courts 1400S and 1400T, i.e., the part bounded by LA parts 1430S,1430T, 1426UC, and 1426VC, embodies a unit of zone 914.

Similar to VC singles HA area portions 1274 in tennis IP structure 1260,VC outside-edge SLA parts 1404 may extend only partway, usually at leastthree fourths of the way, from each end line 1386 to centerline 1392. Inparticular, each part 1404 splits into two parts (or subparts) eachextending from an end line 1386 past closest attack line 1396 partway tocenterline 1392. Each VC side-line part 1412 continues to lie fullyalong its SLA part 1404 and likewise splits into two parts eachextending from an end line 1386 past closest attack line 1396 partway tocenterline 1392. The same applies to each VC inside-edge SLA part 1426.Each VC outside-edge BV LA area portion 1406, VC boundary line area1414, or VC inside-edge BV LA area portion 1428 correspondingly splitsinto two ␣-shaped portions each extending partway from an end line 1386past closest attack line 1396 to centerline 1392.

A VC structure part of IP structure 1380 extends to surface 102 at eachof VC line area parts 1410, 1412, and 1416S and 1416T (collectively“1416”) and VC LA area parts 1402, 1404, 1408S and 1408T (collectively“1408”), 1424, 1426, and 1430S and 1430T (collectively “1430”).Structure 1380 specifically includes (a) VC outside-edge ELA structureconsisting of two VC outside-edge ELA structure parts respectivelyformed with two units of VC region 106 and extending to surface 102respectively at outside-edge ELA area parts 1402, (b) VC outside-edgeSLA structure consisting of two VC outside-edge SLA structure partsextending to surface 102 respectively at outside-edge SLA area parts1404, (c) VC end-line structure consisting of two VC end-line structureparts respectively formed with two units of VC region 886 and extendingto surface 102 respectively at end-line area parts 1410 or,equivalently, end lines 1386, (d) VC side-line structure consisting oftwo VC side-line structure parts extending to surface 102 respectivelyat side-line area parts 1412 or, equivalently, side lines 1388 at leastpartly along their lengths, (e) VC inside-edge ELA structure consistingof two VC inside-edge ELA structure parts respectively formed with twounits of VC region 906 and extending to surface 102 respectively atinside-edge ELA area parts 1424, (f) composite VC inside-edge SLAstructure consisting of two VC inside-edge SLA structure parts extendingto surface 102 respectively at inside-edge SLA area parts 1426, (g) VCfar-edge ALA structure consisting of two VC far-edge ALA structure partsrespectively formed with two units of region 106 and extending tosurface 102 respectively at far-edge ALA area parts 1408, (h) VCattack-line structure consisting of two VC attack-line structure partsrespectively formed with two units of region 886 and extending tosurface 102 respectively at VC attack-line area parts 1416 or,equivalently, attack lines 1396, and (i) VC near-edge ALA structureconsisting of two VC near-edge ALA structure parts respectively formedwith two units of region 906 and extending to surface 102 respectivelyat near-edge ALA area parts 1430.

Each VC outside-edge SLA structure part is formed with a unit of VCregion 106 if each outside-edge SLA area part 1404 is continuous (onepiece). If each area part 1404 is split into two parts, each VCoutside-edge SLA structure part splits into two structure parts (orsubparts) each formed with a unit of region 106. Each VC side-linestructure part is formed with a unit of VC region 886 if each side-linearea part 1412 is continuous. If each area part 1412 is split into twoparts, each VC side-line structure part splits into two structure parts(or subparts) each formed with a unit of region 886. The composite VCinside-edge SLA structure consists of (i) two first end VC inside-edgeSLA structure parts (or subparts) respectively formed with two units ofVC region 906 and extending to surface 102 respectively at first endinside-edge SLA area parts 1426US and 1426VS, (ii) two central VCinside-edge SLA structure parts (or subparts) extending to surface 102respectively at central inside-edge SLA area parts 1426UC and 1426VC,and (iii) two second end VC inside-edge SLA structure parts (orsubparts) respectively formed with two units of region 906 and extendingto surface 102 respectively at second end inside-edge SLA area parts1426UT and 1426VT. Each central VC inside-edge SLA structure part isformed with a unit of region 906 if each central inside-edge SLA areapart 1426UC or 1426VC is continuous. If each area part 1426UC or 1426VCis split into two parts, each central inside-edge SLA structure partsplits into two structure parts (or subparts) each formed with a unit ofregion 906.

Each VC outside-edge ELA structure part normally appears along its ELAarea part 1402S or 1402T as a PP BV color AOS or AOT embodying PP colorA. Each VC outside-edge SLA structure part normally appears along itsSLA area part 1404U or 1404V as a PP BV color AOU or AOV embodying colorA. Hence, each VC outside-edge ELA or SLA structure part is a VCoutside-edge BV LA structure part normally appearing along its LA areapart 1402S, 1402T, 1404U, or 1404V as color AOS, AOT, AOU, or AOV. EachVC end-line structure part normally appears along its area part 1410S or1410T or, equivalently, end line 1386S or 1386T as an AD BV color BBS orBBT embodying AD color B. Each VC side-line structure part normallyappears along its area part 1412U or 1412V or, equivalently, its sideline 1388U or 1388V as an AD BV color BBU or BBV embodying color B.Hence, each VC end-line or side-line structure part is a VC BV linestructure part normally appearing along its area part 1410S, 1410T,1412U, or 1412V or, equivalently, boundary line 1386S, 1386T, 1388U or1388V as color BBS, BBT, BBU, or BBV. Each VC inside-edge ELA structurepart normally appears along its ELA area part 1424S or 1424T as an FR BVcolor CIS or CIT embodying FR color C. Each VC inside-edge SLA structurepart normally appears along its SLA area part 1426U or 1426V as an FR BVcolor CIU or CIV embodying color C. Each VC inside-edge ELA or SLAstructure part is thus a VC inside-edge BV LA structure part normallyappearing along its LA area part 1424S, 1424T, 1426U, or 1426V as FR BVcolor CIS, CIT, CIU, or CIV.

IDVC portion 138 of each VC outside-edge BV LA structure part respondsto object 104 impacting LA area part 1402S, 1402T, 1404U, or 1404V ofthat structure part at OC area 116 as described above for the general OIstructure without intelligent control with changed color X embodied as achanged BV color XOS, XOT, XOU, or XOV materially different from PP BVcolor AOS, AOT, AOU, or AOV. IDVC portion 926 of each VC BV linestructure part responds to object 104 impacting line area part 1410S,1410T, 1412U, or 1412V or, equivalently, boundary line 1386S, 1386T,1388U, or 1388V of that structure part at OC area 896 as prescribed forthe general OI structure without intelligent control with altered colorY embodied as an altered BV color YBS, YBT, YBU, or YBV materiallydifferent from AD BV color BBS, BBT, BBU, or BBV. An FR IDVC portion ofeach VC inside-edge BV LA structure part responds to object 104impacting LA area part 1424S, 1424T, 1426U, or 1426V of that structurepart at OC area 916 as prescribed for the general OI structure withoutintelligent control with modified color Z embodied as a modified BVcolor ZIS, ZIT, ZIU, or ZIV materially different from FR BV color CIS,CIT, CIU, or CIV.

Each VC far-edge ALA structure part normally appears along its LA areapart 1408S or 1408T as a PP attack-line-vicinity (“ALV”) color AAS orAAT embodying PP color A. Each VC attack-line structure part normallyappears along its area part 1416S or 1416T or, equivalently, attack line1396S or 1396T as an AD ALV color BAS or BAT embodying AD color B. EachVC near-edge ALA structure part normally appears along its LA area part1430S or 1430T as an FR ALV color CAS or CAT embodying FR color C.

IDVC portion 138 of each VC far-edge ALA structure part can respond toobject 104 impacting ALA area part 1408S or 1408T of that structure partat OC area 116 as described above for the general OI structure withoutintelligent control with changed color X embodied as a changed ALV colorXAS or XAT materially different from PP ALV color AAS or AAT. IDVCportion 926 of each VC attack-line structure part can respond to object104 impacting attack-line area part 1416S or 1416T of that structurepart at OC area 896 as prescribed for the general OI structure withoutintelligent control with altered color Y embodied as an altered ALVcolor YAS or YAT materially different from AD ALV color BAS or BAT. AnFR IDVC portion of each VC near-edge ALA structure part can respond toobject 104 impacting ALA area part 1430S or 1430T of that structure partat OC area 916 as prescribed for the general OI structure withoutintelligent control with modified color Z embodied as a modified ALVcolor ZAS or ZAT materially different from FR ALV color CAS or CAT.

IP structure 1380 usually contains CC controller 1114 for implementingone of IP structures 1110 and 1170 or CC controller 1134 forimplementing one of IP structures 1130 and 1200. Controller 1114/1134operates as an intelligent controller for making attack-line violationdeterminations. If an impact at or near either attack line 1396 meetsthe PP, AD, FR, or CP TH impact criteria, controller 1114/1134determines whether the PP, AD, FR, or CP supplemental impact informationmeets the PP, AD, FR, or CP supplemental impact criteria for surface 102being impacted by a person's shoe, specifically a volleyball shoe,embodying object 104. Color change occurs along one or more of attacklines 1396, far-edge ALA parts 1408, and near-edge ALA parts 1430 onlywhen the impact characteristics meet the PP, AD, FR, or CP expandedimpact criteria for a person's shoe impacting surface 102. Impact of avolleyball on any of lines 1396 and adjoining parts 1408 and 1430usually does not cause a color change.

Similar to 3P shots in basketball, attacks by a back-court player almostalways occur with the back-court attacker generally facing net 1390 andwith the attacker's shoes generally pointed toward net 1390. Taking thisinto account, the PP, AD, FR, or CP supplemental impact criteria canrequire that each shoe be generally pointed toward net 1390. No colorchange occurs if at least one shoe is pointing away from net 1390,thereby largely avoiding color undesired changes due to non-attackingactivities when a shoe is pointed away from net 1390. More particularly,letting the contact area for a shoe on surface 102 have a longitudinalaxis defined, e.g., as a straight line extending between the area's twomost distant points so as to match a straight line extending between theshoe's two most distant points, the PP, AD, FR, or CP supplementalimpact criteria for back-court attacks can require that the anglebetween the longitudinal axis of the shoe's contact area and a lineextending perpendicular to net 1390 be no more than a selected value,usually 40°, potentially 30° or even 20°, with the shoe pointed towardnet 1390. Implementing the PP, AD, FR, and CP supplemental impactcriteria in this way substantially reduces the occurrences ofunneeded/unwanted color changes when a shoe of a player not attackingthe volleyball, e.g., a player whose back is temporarily facing net1390, impacts any of attack lines 1396 and ALA parts 1408 and 1424.

The following specifically occurs when controller 1114/1134 isimplemented as an intelligent controller for assistance in determiningattack-line violations. Controller 1114/1134 and IDVC portion 138 ofeach VC far-edge ALA structure part respond to object 104 impacting ALAarea part 1408S or 1408T of that structure part at OC area 116 asdescribed above for the general OI structure with intelligent controlwith changed color X embodied as changed ALV color XAS or XAT.Controller 1114/1134 and IDVC portion 926 of each VC attack-linestructure part respond to object 104 impacting attack-line area part1416S or 1416T of that structure part at OC area 896 as prescribed forthe general OI structure with intelligent control with altered color Yembodied as altered ALV color YAS or YAT. Controller 1114/1134 and an FRIDVC portion of each VC near-edge ALA structure part respond to object104 impacting ALA area part 1430S or 1430T of that structure part at OCarea 916 as prescribed for the general OI structure with intelligentcontrol with modified color Z embodied as modified ALV color ZAS or ZAT.

Controller 1114/1134 preferably uses the location-dependent version ofthe CC capability to control the color changing so that IDVC portion 138of the VC far-edge ALA structure part for each attack line 1396S or1396T appears as (i) a first changed color XAS₁ or XAT₁ if print area118 of VC far-edge ALA part 1408S or 1408T adjoins line 1396S or 1396Tand (ii) a second changed color XAS₂ or XAT₂ different from color XAS₁or XAT₁ if area 118 of part 1408S or 1408T is spaced apart from line1396S or 1396T. During a back-court attack, the appearance of area 118of the far-edge ALA structure part for each line 1396S or 1396T as colorXAS₁ or XAT₁, preferably the same color X₁, indicates an attack-lineviolation because having area 118 of area part 1408S or 1408T adjoinline 1396S or 1396T means that a shoe of the attacker improperlyimpacted line 1396S or 1396T whereas the appearance of that LA structurepart as color XAS₂ or XAT₂, preferably the same color X₂, indicates thatthe absence of an attack-line violation because having area 118 of part1408S or 1408T be spaced apart from line 1396S or 1396T means that theattacker's shoe was suitably behind line 1396S or 1396T at the beginningof the attack. A viewer, e.g., an official, can nearly always determinewhether an attack-line violation occurred by simply examining the colorof area 118.

It is usually sufficient for controller 1114/1134 to operate as aduration controller for making service end-line violation and OBdeterminations in IP structure 1380. If controller 1114/1134 is tooperate as an intelligent controller for making service end-lineviolation and OB determinations, the outside-edge BV LA structure parts,their area parts 1402 and 1404, the BV line structure parts, their areaparts 1410 and 1412, the inside-edge BV LA structure parts, and theirarea parts 1424 and 1426 interact with controller 1114/1134 the same asthe far-edge ALA structure parts, their area parts 1408, the attack-linestructure parts, their lines 1416, the near-edge ALA structure parts,and their area parts 1430 respectively interact with controller1114/1134 operating as an intelligent controller subject to the PP, AD,FR, and CP supplemental impact criteria being criteria for a volleyballimpacting surface 102. This includes using the location-dependentversion of the CC capability for controlling the color changing in OBdeterminations.

Each FC area part adjoining a non-line VC area portion in IP structures1300 and 1380 of FIGS. 98 and 99 is usually the same color as thenormal-state color of the VC area portion, at least along the interfacebetween the FC and VC area portions. If an FC area part adjoins twoadjoining VC non-line area portions, the VC non-line area portions areusually the same normal-state color which is the color of the FC areapart, at least along the interface between the FC area part and each VCnon-line area portion.

FIG. 100 illustrates an IP structure 1440 containing OI structure 900or, preferably, cell-containing OI structure 1100, incorporated into afield used for U.S. football to form a football-playing structure thatprovides assistance in determining where a football or a football playerimpacts the football field at/near its boundary. Object 104 is usually afootball or a shoe of a football player but can be other parts of theplayer's body, including the clothes typically a football uniform wornby the player. Football IP structure 1440 applies to Canadian footballby increasing the goal-line-to-goal-line dimension by 10% and doublingthe end-zone width.

Surface 102 consists of a rectangular grass IB area 1442 and an annularOB area 1444 directly surrounding grass IB area 1442 and defined withgrass or/and hard material. Grass can be natural or artificial. Area1442 is defined inwardly by the inside edges of two opposite equal-widthparallel straight end lines 1446S and 1446T (collectively “1446”) andthe inside edges of two opposite equal-width parallel straight sidelines 1448U and 1448V (collectively “1448”) extending between end lines1446. Each line 1446 or 1448 is an open boundary line. Lines 1446 and1448, usually approximately 10 cm wide, together form a rectangularclosed boundary line 1446/1448 whose inside edge is a closed boundaryfor area 1442.

Two goal lines 1450S and 1450T (collectively “1450”) extend between sidelines 1448 parallel to end lines 1446 so that each goal line 1450 is9.14 m (10 yd) away from nearest end line 1446. Goal lines 1450 divideIB area 1442 into a playing field 1452 and two end zones 1454S and1454T. Playing field 1452 extends between goal lines 1450. End zone1454S or 1454T extends between end line 1446S or 1446T and nearest goalline 1450S or 1450T.

Playing field 1452 has nineteen equal-width parallel straight yard lines1456 extending between side lines 1448 parallel to goal lines 1450.Consecutive ones of goal lines 1450 and yard lines 1456 are spaced 4.57m (5 yd) apart. Yard line 1456 at the longitudinal middle of field 1452is marked “50”. Alternate yard lines 1456 moving from center yard line1456 toward each goal line 1450 are respectively marked “40”, “30”,“20”, and “10”. The football-playing structure has two pairs 1458S and1458T of goal posts. A crossbar of each goal-post pair 1458S or 1458T issituated above, and spaced vertically apart from, part of end line 1446Sor 1446T. Each crossbar is centered above its end line 1446 and isusually centrally supported by a curved support post mounted in OB area1444. Two upright bars extend vertically upward from the ends of eachcrossbar. Flexible vertical posts 1460, commonly denominated pylons, arerespectively situated at the intersections of side lines 1448 with lines1446 and 1450.

Football is actively played only in IB area 1442. The players must befully in area 1442 to actively participate in football. Specialconsequences such as penalties or play stoppages occur when the footballor certain players, particularly a player in possession of the football,leave area 1442 during active play. In particular, a football playergoes out of bounds during a football play when any part of the player'sbody or clothes, e.g., either of the player's shoes, contacts any ofboundary lines 1446 and 1448. Play is briefly suspended when any part ofthe body or clothes of the player in possession of the football contactsany of lines 1446 and 1448. Similarly, a football goes out of boundswhen it contacts any boundary line 1446 or 1448, likewise resulting in abrief suspension of play. Hence, lines 1446 and 1448 are parts of OBarea 1444. The inside edge of each of lines 1446 and 1448 is itscritical edge for determining whether object 104 embodied with afootball or (any part of) a person including the person's shoes andother clothing is in or out of bounds.

A straight end-line path 1466S or 1466T defined with hard material isprovided in the grass fully along each end line 1446S or 1446T such thatit is fully situated in end-line path 1466S or 1466T. A straightside-line path 1468U or 1468V defined with hard material is provided inthe grass fully along each side line 1448U or 1448V such that it isfully situated in side-line path 1468U or 1468V. End-line paths 1466Sand 1466T (collectively “1466”) and side-line paths 1468U and 1468V(collectively “1468”) may be the bottoms of channels in grass if OB area1444 is grass fully along IB area 1442. If area 1444 is defined withhard material along boundary lines 1446 or 1448, boundary-line (end-lineand side-line) paths 1466 or 1468 merge into the hard material of area1444.

Each boundary-line path 1466 or 1468 preferably includes a narrowelongated straight part, termed an inside-edge path part, extendingfully along the inside edge of that path's boundary line 1446 or 1448.The inside-edge path part of each path 1466 or 1468 is usually no morethan twice as wide as, preferably no wider than, its line 1446 or 1448.If OB area 1444 is grass fully along the outside edges of lines 1446 or1448, each path 1466 or 1468 optionally includes a path part, termed anoutside-edge path part, extending fully along the outside edge of thatpath's line 1446 or 1448. Because football is actively played only in IBarea 1442, the presence of paths 1466 and 1468 along lines 1446 and 1448generally has little effect on football play.

A narrow elongated straight part 1472S or 1472T of IB area 1442 lyingfully along the inside edge of each end line 1446S or 1446T forms, ashighest CC location priority for lines 1446, a VC inside-edge ELA areapart embodying a unit of SF zone 112. A narrow elongated straight part1474U or 1474V of area 1442 lying fully along the inside edge of eachside line 1448U or 1448V forms, as highest CC location priority forlines 1448, a VC inside-edge SLA area part embodying a unit of zone 112.Each VC inside-edge LA part 1472S, 1472T, 1474U, or 1474V is located atthe inside-edge path part of path 1466S, 1466T, 1468U, or 1468V so as toat least partly occupy that path part's width. Inside-edge LA parts1472S and 1472T (collectively “1472”) and 1474U and 1474V (collectively“1474”) form a rectangular annular VC inside-edge BV LA area portion1476. The rectangular FC remainder 1478 of area 1442 bounded by LA areaportion 1476 embodies a unit of FC SF zone 114.

Each end line 1446S or 1446T is, as next highest CC location priorityfor lines 1446, a VC end-line area part embodying a unit of SF zone 892at end-line path 1466S or 1466T. Each side line 1448U or 1448V is, asnext highest CC location priority for lines 1448, a VC side-line areapart embodying a unit of zone 892 at side-line path 1468U or 1468V.Boundary lines 1446 and 1448 form a rectangular annular VC boundary linearea 1480. OB area 1444 is an FC area part embodying a unit of SF zone894.

A narrow elongated straight part 1482S or 1482T of OB area 1444 lyingfully along the outside edge of each end line 1446S or 1446T optionallyforms a VC outside-edge ELA area part embodying a unit of SF zone 912. Anarrow elongated straight part 1484U or 1484V of area 1444 lying fullyalong the outside edge of each side line 1448U or 1448V optionally formsa VC outside-edge SLA area part embodying a unit of zone 912. If area1444 is grass fully along the outside edge of each boundary line 1446S,1446T, 1448U, or 1448V, VC outside-edge LA part 1482S, 1482T, 1484U, or1484V is located at the outside-edge path part of path 1466S, 1466T,1468U, or 1468V so as to at least partly occupy that path part's width.Outside-edge LA parts 1482S and 1482T (collectively “1482”) and 1484Uand 1484V (collectively “1484”) form a rectangular annular VCoutside-edge BV LA area portion 1486. For these options, the annular FCremainder 1488 of area 1444 bounded by LA area portion 1486 embodies aunit of SF zone 914.

A VC structure part of IP structure 1440 extends to surface 102 at eachof lines 1446 and 1448 and VC LA area parts 1472, 1474, 1482, and 1484.In particular, structure 1440 includes (a) VC inside-edge ELA structureconsisting of two VC inside-edge ELA structure parts respectively formedwith two units of VC region 106 and extending to surface 102respectively at inside-edge ELA area parts 1472, (b) VC inside-edge SLAstructure consisting of two VC inside-edge SLA structure partsrespectively formed with two units of region 106 and extending tosurface 102 respectively at inside-edge SLA area parts 1474, (c) VCend-line structure consisting of two VC end-line structure partsrespectively formed with two units of VC region 886 and extending tosurface 102 respectively at end lines 1446, (d) VC side-line structureconsisting of two VC side-line structure parts respectively formed withtwo units of region 886 and extending to zone 112 respectively at sidelines 1448, (e) VC outside-edge ELA structure consisting of two VCoutside-edge ELA structure parts respectively formed with two units ofVC region 906 and extending to surface 102 respectively at outside-edgeELA area parts 1482, and (f) VC outside-edge SLA structure consisting oftwo VC outside-edge SLA structure parts respectively formed with twounits of region 906 and extending to surface 102 respectively atoutside-edge SLA area parts 1484.

Each VC inside-edge ELA structure part normally appears along its ELAarea part 1472S or 1472T as a PP BV color AIS or AIT embodying PP colorA. Each VC inside-edge SLA structure part normally appears along its SLAarea part 1474U or 1474V as a PP BV color AIU or AIV embodying color A.Each VC inside-edge ELA or SLA structure part is therefore a VCinside-edge BV LA structure part normally appearing along its LA areapart 1472S, 1472T, 1474U, or 1474V as color AIS, AIT, AIU, or AIV. EachVC end-line structure part normally appears along its end line 1446S or1446T as an AD BV color BBS or BBT embodying AD color B. Each VCside-line structure normally appears along its side line 1448U or 1448Vas an AD BV color BBU or BBV embodying color B. Consequently, each VCend-line or side-line structure part is a VC BV line structure partnormally appearing along its boundary line 1446S, 1446T, 1448U, or 1448Vas color BBS, BBT, BBU, or BBV. Each VC outside-edge ELA structure partnormally appears along its ELA area part 1482S or 1482T as an FR BVcolor COS or COT embodying FR color C. Each VC outside-edge SLAstructure part normally appears along its SLA area part 1484U or 1484Vas an FR BV color COU or COV embodying color C. Each VC outside-edge ELAor SLA structure part is thus a VC outside-edge BV LA structure partnormally appearing along its LA area part 1482S, 1482T, 1484U, or 1484Vas color COS, COT, COU, or COV.

IDVC portion 138 of each VC inside-edge BV LA structure part responds toobject 104 impacting LA area part 1472S, 1472T, 1474U, or 1474V of thatstructure part at OC area 116 as described above for the general OIstructure without intelligent control with changed color X embodied as achanged BV color XIS, XIT, XIU, or XIV materially different from PP BVcolor AIS, AIT, AIU, or AIV. IDVC portion 926 of each VC BV linestructure part responds to object 104 impacting boundary line 1446S,1446T, 1448U, or 1448V of that structure part at OC area 896 asprescribed for the general OI structure without intelligent control withaltered color Y embodied as an altered BV color YBS, YBT, YBU, or YBVmaterially different from AD BV color BBS, BBT, BBU, or BBV. An FR DVCportion of each VC outside-edge BV LA structure part responds to object104 impacting LA area part 1482S, 1482T, 1484U or 1484V of thatstructure part at OC area 916 as prescribed for the general OI structurewithout intelligent control with modified color Z embodied as a modifiedBV color ZOS, ZOT, ZOU, or ZOV materially different from FR BV colorCOS, COT, COU, or COV.

IP structure 1440 preferably contains CC controller 1114 forimplementing one of IP structures 1110 and 1170 or CC controller 1134for implementing one of IP structure 1130 and 1200. It is usuallysufficient for controller 1114/1134 to operate as a duration controllerfor making OB determinations in IP structure 1440. If controller1114/1134 is to operate as an intelligent controller for making OBdeterminations, the inside-edge BV LA structure parts, their area parts1472 and 1474, the BV line structure parts, their lines 1446 and 1448,the outside-edge BV LA structure parts, and their area parts 1482 and1484 interact with controller 1114/1134 the same as the far-edge 3P LAstructure parts, their area parts 1344, the 3PL structure parts, theirlines 1334, the near-edge 3P LA structure parts, and their area parts1358 respectively interact with controller 1114/1134 operating as anintelligent controller in basketball IP structure 1300 subject to thePP, AD, FR, and CP supplemental impact criteria being criteria for afootball and/or a person's shoe, specifically a football shoe, impactingsurface 102. This includes using the location-dependent version of theCC capability to control the color changing in OB determinations.

As exemplified by FIGS. 98 -100 for basketball, volleyball, and footballalong with FIGS. 96 and 97 for tennis, a general sports-playing IPstructure employs the above-mentioned general sports-playing OIstructure having surface 102 for being impacted by object 104 embodiedas a sports instrument or a person, typically a player, including anyclothing worn by the person. Surface 102 has (a) an IB area, exemplifiedby IB area 42, 1302, 1382, or 1442, defined by a closed boundary and (b)an OB area, exemplified by OB area 44, 1304, 1384, or 1444, surroundingthe IB area and adjoining it along the closed boundary. A finite-widthclosed boundary line, exemplified by closed boundary line 28/46,1306/1308, 1386/1388, or 1446/1448, extends fully along the closedboundary and has opposite inside and outside edges respectively nearestto and farthest from the center of the IB area. One of the line's insideand outside edges lies in one of the IB and OB areas. The other of theline's inside and outside edges meets the other of the IB and OB areas.

Let LA area parts 1242E, 1244E, and 1244D along the inside edge ofclosed boundary line 28/46 in tennis IP structure 1230 be collectivelytermed inside-edge BV LA area portion 1242E/1244I. The closed boundaryline is an object-related line of the general OI structure. Theassociated VC first-edge and second-edge structure parts for theboundary line are then respectively directly or inversely (a) VCinside-edge BV LA structure that extends to surface 102 at VCinside-edge BV LA area lying in the IB area, adjoining the inside edgeof the line along at least part of the line's length, and exemplified bysometimes-discontinuous VC inside-edge BV LA area portion 1242E/1244I,1342, 1428, or 1476 and (b) VC outside-edge BV LA structure that extendsto surface 102 at VC outside-edge BV LA area lying in the OB area,adjoining the outside edge of the line along at least part of the line'slength, and exemplified by sometimes-discontinuous VC outside-edge BV LAarea portion 1246T, 1276T, 1356, 1406, or 1486.

The outside-edge BV LA structure is the first-edge structure part andconstitutes the highest CC location priority for the boundary line ifit, including its inside edge, lies in the IB area. PP color A andchanged color X of the first-edge structure part are then respectively anormal-state outside-edge BV LA color and a changed-state outside-edgeBV LA color exemplified by the normal-state and changed-state colors ofoutside-edge LA area portion 1246T, 1276T, or 1406. The inside-edge BVLA structure is the second-edge structure part for which its FR color Cand modified color Z are respectively a normal-state inside-edge BV LAcolor and a changed-state inside-edge BV LA color exemplified by thenormal-state and changed-state colors of inside-edge LA area portion1242E/1244I or 1428.

The inside-edge BV LA structure is the VC first-edge structure part andconstitutes the highest CC location priority for the boundary line ifit, including its outside edge, lies in the OB area. In that case,colors A and X of the first-edge structure part are respectively anormal-state inside-edge BV LA color and a changed-state inside-edge BVLA color exemplified by the normal-state and changed-state colors ofinside-edge LA area portion 1342 or 1476. The outside-edge BV LAstructure is the VC second-edge structure part for which its colors Cand color Z are respectively a normal-state outside-edge BV LA color anda changed-state outside-edge BV LA color exemplified by the normal-stateand changed-state colors of outside-edge LA area portion 1356 or 1486.

In either case, the VC line structure of the general OI structureconstitutes, as the next highest CC location priority for the boundaryline, VC boundary-line structure extending to surface 102 at the linealong at least part of its length. AD color B and altered color Y of theline structure are respectively a normal-state BV line color and achanged-state BV line color exemplified by the normal-state andchanged-state line color(s) of the VC area of closed boundary line28/46, 1306/1308, 1386/1388, or 1446/1448.

An internal line different from the closed boundary line and exemplifiedby any of servicelines 34, 3P lines 1334, and attack lines 1396 isanother object-related line of the general OI structure. The generalsports-playing IP structure sometimes has one or more score-achievingstructures, exemplified by baskets 1316S and 1316T, situated on or nearsurface 102. If so, one or more of the object-related internal lines,exemplified by internal 3P lines 1334, may be pertinent to scoringaccomplished with the one or more score-achieving structures. A selectedone of the edges of each object-related internal line is its criticaledge for determining how impact of object 104 on or near that lineaffects play. The selected edge of each internal line is, forconvenience, arbitrarily deemed to be its first edge.

The VC first-edge structure part for each such internal line is, as itshighest CC location priority, VC first-edge internal LA structureextending to surface 102 at VC first-edge internal LA area adjoining thefirst edge of that line and exemplified by each VC internal LA areapart/portion 1242S, 1272, 1344, or 1408. Colors A and X of thefirst-edge structure part are then respectively a normal-statefirst-edge internal LA color and a changed-state first-edge internal LAcolor exemplified by the normal-state and changed-state colors of eachpart/portion 1242S, 1272, 1344, or 1408.

The VC line structure part for each such internal line is, as its nexthighest CC location priority, VC internal-line structure extending tosurface 102 at that line along at least part of the line's length.Colors B and Y of the line structure are respectively a normal-stateinternal-line color and a changed-state internal-line color exemplifiedby the normal-state line and changed-state colors of the VC area of eachinternal line 34, 1334, or 1396.

The VC second-edge structure part for each such internal line is VCsecond-edge internal LA structure extending to surface 102 at VCsecond-edge internal LA area adjoining the second edge of that line andexemplified by each VC internal LA area part 1240S, 1358, or 1430. ColorC and Z of the second-edge structure part are then respectively anormal-state second-edge internal LA color and a changed-statesecond-edge internal LA color exemplified by the normal-state andchanged-state colors of each part 1240S, 1358, or 1430.

FIG. 101 illustrates an IP structure 1500 containing OI structure 900or, preferably, cell-containing OI structure 1100, incorporated into abaseball or softball field to form a ball-playing structure thatprovides assistance in making decisions on where a batted baseball orsoftball impacts certain parts of the field. Surface 102 includes an IBground area 1502, termed fair area, having a perimeter shaped roughlylike a quarter circle, and an OB ground area 1504, termed foul area,that adjoins fair area 1502 along left and right foul lines 1506L and1506R (collectively “1506”). Fair territory and foul territoryrespectively go vertically upward from areas 1502 and 1504. Foul lines1506, typically 5-8 cm wide, are parts of fair territory and havestraight fair-area portions extending perpendicular to each other infair area 1502 so as to essentially meet each other. Each foul line 1506has an outside (or foul-area) edge meeting foul area 1504 and an inside(or fair-area) edge lying in fair area 1502.

A batted baseball or softball embodying object 104 for IP structure 1500is termed batted ball 104, sometimes simply ball 104. Batted ball 104 isfair, in bounds, whenever it impacts anywhere in fair territoryincluding either foul line 1506. Ball 104 simultaneously impacting afoul line 1506 and a tangible part of foul territory is fair. Ball 104solely impacting a tangible part of foul territory is foul, out ofbounds. The outside edge of each foul line 1506 is thus its criticaledge for determining whether ball 104 is fair or foul.

Fair area 1502 further includes a home plate 1508 constituting themeeting location of foul lines 1506, a first base 1510 along right foulline 1506R, a second base 1512 between foul lines 1506 generallyopposite home plate 1508, and a third base 1514 along left foul line1506L. Plate 1508 and bases 1510, 1512, and 1514 lie at the corners ofan imaginary square. Area 1502 is divided into general infield andoutfield areas 1516 and 1518. General infield area 1516 consists of agrass area 1520 and a dirt area 1522 which surrounds grass infield area1520 and in which bases 1510, 1512, and 1514 are located. Grass canagain be natural or artificial. Grass infield area 1520 surrounds a dirtpitcher's mound 1524 whose central point lies at the centroid of plate1508 and bases 1510, 1512, and 1514. Dirt infield area 1522 extendsalong parts of foul lines 1506 to plate 1508.

Dirt infield area 1522 adjoins a foul-territory dirt area 1526 lying infoul area 1504. “FLT” hereafter means foul-territory. FLT dirt area 1526extends along foul lines 1506 respectively beyond bases 1514 and 1510.In particular, dirt area 1526 includes (i) a left FLT dirt area section1526L extending from home plate 1508 along the outside edge of left foulline 1506L beyond third base 1514 and (ii) a right FLT dirt area section1526R extending from plate 1508 along the outside edge of right foulline 1506R beyond first base 1510. Batters' boxes 1528L and 1528R aresituated respectively to the left and right of plate 1508 partly ininfield area 1522 and partly in FLT dirt area 1526. A baseball orsoftball is batted ball 104 when a player, the batter, standing ineither of batters' boxes 1528L and 1528R hits the ball with a bat aftera player, the pitcher, standing on pitcher's mound 1524 throws the balltoward plate 1508. A catcher's box 1530 lies in area 1526 behind plate1508.

General outfield area 1518 extends to an upward-extending outfieldbarrier 1532 commonly termed a “fence” but often including one or morewalls. Outfield barrier 1532 has an inside barrier area 1534 facing fairarea 1502 so as to meet it and foul area 1504. The fair-area portions offoul lines 1506 substantially meet barrier 1532. Foul lines 1506 havesubstantially-straight barrier portions extending up inside barrier area1534. The longitudinal centerlines of lines 1506 lie respectively inperpendicularly intersecting vertical planes. Barrier area 1534constitutes part of surface 102 so that it is non-flat here.

Letting “FRT” hereafter mean fair-territory, barrier area 1534 consistsof (i) a central FRT inside barrier area section 1534C which meets fairarea 1502, (ii) a left FLT inside barrier area section 1534L which meetsfoul area 1504 and is continuous with FRT inside barrier area section1534C along left foul line 1506L, and (iii) a right FLT inside barrierarea section 1534R which meets area 1504 and is continuous with FRTbarrier section 1534C along right foul line 1506R. Barrier 1532,specifically the bottom edge of FRT barrier section 1534C, and lines1506, specifically their lateral portions, inwardly define fair area1502.

A grass area 1536 of outfield area 1518 adjoins dirt infield area 1522.Although grass outfield area 1536 sometimes extends to barrier 1532, awarning track 1538 defined with dirt or other hard material is oftensituated between barrier 1532 and outfield area 1536. Warning track 1538has a warning track area consisting of (i) a central FRT track areasection 1540C extending along barrier 1532 between foul lines 1506, (ii)a left FLT track area section 1540L lying in foul area 1504 along leftfoul line 1506L, and (iii) a right FLT track area section 1540R lying inarea 1504 along right foul line 1506R. Item 1542 indicates an FLT grassarea lying in foul area 1504, adjoining grass outfield area 1536, andadjoining FLT dirt area 1526 so as to be spaced apart from batters'boxes 1528L and 1528R and catcher's box 1530. FLT grass area 1542includes (i) a left FLT grass area section 1542L lying along left FLTdirt area section 1526L and the outside edge of left foul line 1506Lbeyond dirt section 1526L and (ii) a right FLT grass area section 1542Rlying along right FLT dirt area section 1526R and the outside edge ofright foul line 1506R beyond dirt section 1526R. Although not indicatedin FIG. 101, FLT track area sections 1540L and 1540R often extendcontinuously along FLT grass area 1542 to form a composite FLT trackarea.

A straight channel 1544L or 1544R extending down to hard material isprovided in the grass along foul line 1506L or 1506R from infield area1516, specifically dirt area 1522, either to barrier 1532 or, ifpresent, to track 1538. The part 1506OL or 1506OR, termed a mainoutfield foul-line area part, of each foul line 1506L or 1506R extendingfrom dirt infield area 1522 through grass outfield area 1536 either tobarrier 1532 or, if present, to track 1538 lies in foul-line channel1544L or 1544R along its hard material. Foul-line channel 1544L or 1544Ris usually wider than main outfield foul-line area part 1506OL or 1506ORso as to include two elongated straight portions respectively lying inareas 1502 and 1504 and extending fully along both edges of outfieldfoul-line part 1506OL or 1506OR. Channels 1544L and 1544R (collectively“1544”) can, for example, be 0.5-1 m wide.

In addition to outfield foul-line part 1506OL or 1506OR, each foul line1506L or 1506R includes (a) an infield-path (or base-path) foul-linearea part 1506PL or 1506PR extending essentially from home plate 1508 tobase 1514 or 1510, (b) a beyond-path (“BP”) infield foul-line area part1506IL or 1506IR extending from base 1514 or 1510 along dirt infieldarea 1522 to grass outfield area 1536, (c) a track foul-line area part1506TL or 1506TR extending from outfield area 1536 along track 1538substantially to barrier 1532 if track 1538 is present, and (d) abarrier foul-line area part 1506BL or 1506BR extending substantiallyfrom the bottom of barrier 1532 up central FRT inside barrier areasection 1534C substantially to the top of barrier 1532. If track 1538 isabsent, outfield foul-line part 1506OL or 1506OR extends from infieldarea 1522 through outfield area 1536 to barrier 1532.

Left and right foul poles 1546L and 1546R are situated closely behindbarrier 1532 and extend vertically upward beyond barrier 1532. Thelongitudinal centerlines of foul poles 1546L and 1546R, both straight,respectively lie largely in the intersecting vertical planes of thelongitudinal centerlines of foul lines 1506L and 1506R. Left-pole andright-pole screens 1548L and 1548R respectively often extend along theFRT sides of foul poles 1546L and 1546R. Foul poles 1546L and 1546R aredeemed to be respective extensions of foul lines 1506L and 1506R andparts of fair territory. Batted ball 104 is fair, a home run, if itimpacts either foul pole 1546L or 1546R, including screen 1548L or1548R.

A narrow elongated straight part 1550L or 1550R of each FLT dirt areasection 1526L or 1526R lying fully along the outside, i.e., FLT, edge ofBP infield foul-line part 1506IL or 1506IR forms, as highest CC locationpriority for BP infield foul-line line parts 1506IL and 1506IR(collectively “1506I”), a VC BP infield-adjoining FLT LA part embodyinga unit of SF zone 112. A narrow elongated straight part 1552L or 1552Rof FLT grass area section 1542L or 1542R lying fully along the outside,or FLT, edge of outfield foul-line part 1506OL or 1506OR forms, ashighest CC location priority for outfield foul-line line parts 1506OLand 1506OR (collectively “1506O”), a VC main outfield-adjoining FLT LAarea part lying in foul-line channel 1544L or 1544R along its hardmaterial and embodying a unit of zone 112. If track 1538 is present, anarrow elongated straight part 1554L or 1554R of FLT track area section1540L or 1540R lying fully along the outside, or FLT, edge of trackfoul-line part 1506TL or 1506TR forms, as highest CC location priorityfor track foul-line parts 1506TL and 1506TR (collectively “1506T”), a VCtrack FLT LA area part embodying a unit of zone 112. A narrow elongatedstraight part 1556L or 1556R of FLT barrier area section 1534L or 1534Rlying fully along the outside, or FLT, edge of barrier foul-line part1506BL or 1506BR forms, as highest CC priority for barrier foul-lineline parts 1506BL and 1506BR (collectively “1506B”), a VC barrier FLT LAarea part embodying a unit of zone 112. VC FLT LA parts 1550L, 1552L,and 1556L or 1550R, 1552R, and 1556R and, if present, VC track FLT LApart 1554L or 1554R are usually continuous with one another to form a VCBP joint FLT LA area portion 1558L or 1558R extending from base 1514 or1510 to barrier area section 1534L or 1534R and then vertically up it.There may be a small gap between barrier FLT LA part 1556L or 1556R andthe remainder of BP joint FLT LA area portion 1558L or 1558R at thebottom of barrier 1532.

Each foul-line part 1506I, 1506O, or 1506B constitutes, as next highestCC location priorities for foul-line parts 1506I, 1506O, or 1506B, a VCfoul-line area part embodying a unit of SF zone 892. If track 1538 ispresent, each track foul-line part 1506T is, as next highest CC locationpriority for track foul-line line parts 1506T, a VC foul-line area partembodying a unit of zone 892. VC foul-line parts 1506IL, 1506OL, and1506BL or 1506IR, 1506OR, and 1506BR and, if present, VC track foul-linepart 1506TL or 1506TR are usually continuous with one another to form aVC BP joint foul-line area portion 1506JL or 1506JR extending from base1514 or 1510 to barrier 1532 and then vertically up FRT barrier areasection 1534C. There may be a small gap between barrier foul-line part1506BL or 1506BR and the remainder of BP joint foul-line area portion1506JL or 1506JR at the bottom of barrier 1532.

Each of (a) the FC remainder 1560L or 1560R of FLT dirt area section1526L or 1526R, (b) the FC remainder 1562L or 1562R of FLT grass areasection 1542L or 1542R, (c) the FC remainder 1564L or 1564R of FLT trackarea section 1540L or 1540R if track 1538 is present, and (d) the FCremainder 1566L or 1566R of FLT barrier area section 1534L or 1534Rembodies a unit of SF zone 114. Each of (a) the FC remainder 1570 ofdirt infield area 1522, i.e., the part outside foul-line parts 1506I,(b) the FC remainder 1572 of grass outfield area 1536, i.e., the partoutside foul-line parts 1506O, (c) the FC remainder 1574 of FRT trackarea section 1540C, i.e., the part outside foul-line parts 1506T, iftrack 1538 is present and (d) the FC remainder 1576 of FRT barrier areasection 1534C, i.e., the part outside foul-line parts 1506B, embodies aunit of SF zone 894.

A narrow elongated straight part 1580L or 1580R of dirt infield area1522 lying fully along the inside, i.e., FRT, edge of each BP infieldfoul-line part 1506IL or 1506IR optionally forms a VC BP infield FRT LAarea part embodying a unit of SF zone 912. If foul-line channels 1544are provided along foul lines 1506, a narrow elongated straight part1582L or 1582R of grass outfield area 1536 lying fully along the inside,or FRT, edge of each outfield foul-line part 1506OL or 1506OR optionallyforms a VC main outfield FRT LA area part lying in channel 1544L or1544R and embodying a unit of zone 912. If track 1538 is present, anarrow elongated straight part 1584L or 1584R of FRT track area section1540C lying fully along the inside, or FRT, edge of each track foul-linepart 1506TL or 1506TR optionally forms a VC track FRT LA area partembodying a unit of zone 912. A narrow elongated straight part 1586L or1586R of FRT inside barrier area section 1534C lying fully along theinside, or FRT, edge of each barrier foul-line part 1506BL or 1506BRoptionally forms a VC barrier FRT LA area part embodying a unit of zone912. VC FRT LA parts 1580L, 1582L, and 1586L or 1580R, 1582R, and 1586Rand (if present) VC track FRT LA part 1584L or 1584R are usuallycontinuous with one another to form a VC BP joint FRT LA area portion1588L or 1588R extending from base 1514 or 1510 to barrier 1532 and thenvertically up barrier area section 1534C. There may be a small gapbetween barrier LA part 1586L or 1586R and the remainder of BP joint FRTLA area portion 1588L or 1588R at the bottom of barrier 1532.

Each of (a) the FC part 1590 of dirt infield area 1522 outside foul-lineparts 1506I and LA parts 1580L and 1580R, (b) the FC part 1592 of grassoutfield area 1536 outside foul-line parts 1506O and LA parts 1582L and1582R, (c) the FC part 1594 of FRT track area section 1540C outsidefoul-line parts 1506T and LA parts 1584L and 1584R if track 1538 ispresent, and (d) the FC part 1596 of barrier FRT area section 1534Coutside foul-line parts 1506B and LA parts 1586L and 1586R embodies aunit of SF zone 914 in the preceding options.

A VC structure portion of IP structure 1500 extends to surface 102 ateach of VC BP joint foul-line area portions 1506JL and 1506JR(collectively “1506J”) and VC BP joint LA area portions 1558L and 1558R(collectively “1558”) and 1588L and 1588R (collectively “1588”).Structure 1500 specifically includes (i) VC BP joint FLT LA structureconsisting of two VC BP joint FLT LA structure portions extending tosurface 102 respectively at joint FLT LA area portions 1558, (ii) VC BPjoint foul-line structure consisting of two VC BP joint foul-linestructure portions extending to surface 102 respectively at jointfoul-line area portions 1506J, and (iii) VC BP joint FRT LA structureconsisting of two VC BP joint FRT LA structure portions extending tosurface 102 respectively at joint FRT LA area portions 1588.

Each VC BP joint FLT LA structure portion consists of (a) a VC BPinfield-adjoining FLT LA structure part formed with a unit of VC region106 and extending to surface 102 at infield-adjoining FLT LA area part1550L or 1550R, (b) a VC main outfield-adjoining FLT LA structure partformed with a unit of region 106 and extending to surface 102 at mainoutfield-adjoining FLT LA area part 1552L or 1552R, (c) a VC track FLTLA structure part formed with a unit of region 106 and extending tosurface 102 at track FLT LA area part 1554L or 1554R if track 1538 ispresent, and (d) a VC barrier FLT LA structure part formed with a unitof region 106 and extending to surface 102 at barrier FLT LA area part1556L or 1556R. Each VC joint foul-line structure portion consists of(a) a VC BP infield foul-line structure part formed with a unit of VCregion 886 and extending to surface 102 at BP infield foul-line areapart 1506IL or 1506IR, (b) a VC main outfield foul-line structure partformed with a unit of region 886 and extending to surface 102 at mainoutfield foul-line area part 1506OL or 1506OR, (c) a VC track foul-linestructure part formed with a unit of region 886 and extending to surface102 at track foul-line area part 1506TL or 1506TR if track 1538 ispresent, and (d) a VC barrier foul-line structure part formed with aunit of region 886 and extending to surface 102 at barrier foul-linearea part 1506BL or 1506BR. Each VC joint FRT LA structure consists of(a) a VC BP infield FRT LA structure part formed with a unit of VCregion 906 and extending to surface 102 at infield FRT LA area part1580L or 1580R, (b) a VC main outfield FRT LA structure part formed witha unit of region 906 and extending to surface 102 at main outfield FRTLA area part 1582L or 1582R, (c) a VC track FRT LA structure part formedwith a unit of region 906 and extending to surface 102 at track FRT LAarea part 1584L or 1584R if track 1538 is present, and (d) a VC barrierFRT LA structure part formed with a unit of region 906 and extending tosurface 102 at barrier FRT LA area part 1586L or 1586R.

Batted ball 104 is fair if it impacts a joint foul-line portion 1506Jor/and a joint FRT LA portion 1588. Ball 104 is also fair if itsimultaneously impacts a joint foul-line portion 1506J and adjoiningjoint FLT LA portion 1558. However, ball 104 solely impacting an FLT LAportion 1558 or simultaneously impacting an FLT LA portion 1558 and oneor more of an FC FLT dirt part 1560L or 1560R, FC FLT grass part 1562Lor 1562R, FC FLT track part 1564L or 1564R if track 1538 is present, andFC FLT barrier part 1566L or 1566R without further simultaneouslyimpacting anywhere in fair area 1502 or FRT barrier section 1534C isfoul.

Letting “FLV” mean foul-line vicinity, each VC BP infield-adjoining FLTLA structure part normally appears along its LA area part 1550L or 1550Ras a PP infield-vicinity FLV color AIL or AIR. Each VC mainoutfield-adjoining FLT LA structure part normally appears along its LAarea part 1552L or 1552R as a PP outfield FLV color AOL or AOR. If track1538 is present, each VC track FLT LA structure part normally appearsalong its LA area part 1554L or 1554R as a PP track FLV color ATL orATR. Each VC barrier FLT LA structure part normally appears along its LAarea part 1556L or 1556R as a PP barrier FLV color ABL or ABR.Normal-state colors AIL, AIR, AOL, AOR, ATL, ATR, ABL, and ABR, eachembodying PP color A, are usually the same.

Each VC BP infield foul-line structure part normally appears along itsfoul-line area part 1506IL or 1506IR as an AD infield-vicinity FLV colorBIL or BIR. Each VC main outfield foul-line structure part normallyappears along its foul-line area part 1506OL or 1506OR as an AD outfieldFLV color BOL or BOR. If track 1538 is present, each VC track foul-linestructure part normally appears along its foul-line area part 1506TL or1506TR as an AD track FLV color BTL or BTR. Each VC barrier foul-linestructure part normally appears along its foul-line area part 1506BL or1506BR as an AD barrier FLV color BBL or BBR. Infield-path foul-linearea parts 1506PL and 1506PR are FC line area parts that appear as thesame fixed color FL. Normal-state colors BIL, BIR, BOL, BOR, BTL, BTR,BBL, and BBR, each embodying AD color B, are usually largely color FL.

Each VC BP infield FRT LA structure part normally appears along its LAarea part 1580L or 1580R as an FR infield-vicinity FLV color CIL or CIR.Each VC main outfield FRT LA structure part normally appears along itsLA area part 1582L or 1582R as an FR outfield FLV color COL or COR. Iftrack 1538 is present, each VC track FRT LA structure part normallyappears along its LA area part 1584L or 1584R as an FR track FLV colorCTL or CTR. Each VC barrier FRT LA structure part normally appears alongits LA area part 1586L or 1586R as an FR barrier FLV color CBL or CBR.Normal-state colors CIL, CIR, COL, COR, CTL, CTR, CBL, and CBR, eachembodying FR color C, are usually the same.

IDVC portion 138 of each VC FLT LA structure part responds to ball 104impacting LA area part 1550L, 1550R, 1552L, 1552R, 1554L, 1554R, 1556L,or 1556R of that structure part at OC area 116 as described above forthe general OI structure without intelligent control with changed colorX embodied as a changed FLV color XIL, XIR, XOL, XOR, XTL, XTR, XBL, orXBR materially different from PP FLV color AIL, AIR, AOL, AOR, ATL, ATR,ABL, or ABR of that structure part. Each color XIL or XIR is a changedinfield-vicinity FLV color. Each color XOL or XOR is a changed outfieldFLV color. Each color XTL or XTR is a changed track FLV color. Eachcolor XBL or XBR is a changed barrier FLV color. Changed-state colorsXIL, XIR, XOL, XOR, XTL, XTR, XBL, and XBR, each embodying changed colorX, are usually the same.

IDVC portion 926 of each VC foul-line structure part responds to ball104 impacting foul-line area part 1506IL, 1506IR, 1506OL, 1506OR,1506TL, 1506TR, 1506BL, or 1506BR of that structure part at OC area 896as prescribed for the general OI structure without intelligent controlwith altered color Y embodied as an altered FLV color YIL, YIR, YOL,YOR, YTL, YTR, YBL, or YBR materially different from AD FLV color BIL,BIR, BOL, BOR, BTL, BTR, BBL, or BBR. Each color YIL or YIR is analtered infield-vicinity FLV color. Each color YOL or YOR is an alteredoutfield FLV color. Each color YTL or YTR is an altered track FLV color.Each color YBL or YBR is an altered barrier FLV color. Changed-statecolors YIL, YIR, YOL, YOR, YTL, YTR, YBL, and YBR, each embodyingaltered color Y, are usually the same.

An FR IDVC portion of each VC FRT LA structure part responds to ball 104impacting LA area part 1580L, 1580R, 1582L, 1582R, 1584L, 1584R, 1586L,or 1586R of that structure part at an OC area 916 as prescribed for thegeneral OI structure without intelligent control with modified color Zembodied as a modified FLV color ZIL, ZIR, ZOL, ZOR, ZTL, ZTR, ZBL, orZBR materially different from FR FLV color CIL, CIR, COL, COR, CTL, CTR,CBL, or CBR. Each color ZIL or ZIR is a modified infield-vicinity FLVcolor. Each color ZOL or ZOR is a modified outfield FLV color. Eachcolor ZTL or ZTR is a modified track FLV color. Each color ZBL or ZBR isa modified barrier FLV color. Changed-state colors ZIL, ZIR, ZOL, ZOR,ZTL, ZTR, ZBL, and ZBR, each embodying modified color Z, are usually thesame.

IP structure 1500 preferably contains CC controller 1114 forimplementing one of IP structures 1110 and 1170 or CC controller 1134for implementing one of IP structure 1130 and 1200. It is usuallysufficient for controller 1114/1134 to operate as a duration controllerfor making fair/foul determinations. If controller 1114/1134 is tooperate as an intelligent controller for making fair/fouldeterminations, the BP infield-adjoining FLT LA structure parts, theirarea parts 1550L and 1550R, the VC BP infield foul-line structure parts,their area parts 1506I, the BP infield FRT LA structure parts, and theirarea parts 1580L and 1580R interact with controller 1114/1134 the sameas the VC far-edge 3P LA structure parts, their area parts 1344, the 3PLstructure parts, their lines 1334, the near-edge 3P LA structure parts,and their area parts 1358 respectively interact with controller1114/1134 operating as an intelligent controller in basketball IPstructure 1300 subject to the PP, AD, FR, and CP supplemental impactcriteria being criteria for a baseball/softball impacting surface 102.The same applies to (a) the main outfield-adjoining FLT LA structureparts, their area parts 1552L and 1552R, the main outfield foul-linestructure parts, their area parts 1506O, the main outfield FRT LAstructure parts, and their area parts 1582L and 1582R, (b) the track FLTLA structure parts, their area parts 1554L and 1554R, the trackfoul-line structure parts, their area parts 1506T, the track FRT LAstructure parts, and their area parts 1584L and 1584R if track 1538 ispresent, and (c) the barrier FLT LA structure parts, their area parts1556L and 1556R, the barrier foul-line structure parts, their area parts1506B, the barrier FRT LA structure parts, and their area parts 1586Land 1586R.

Depending on the configuration of the ballpark especially forprofessional baseball, the CC capability can be utilized near the top ofselected area of barrier 1532 to determine whether batted ball 104impacting that area is, or is not, a home run.

A basketball, volleyball, football, or baseball/softball IP structureaccording to the invention may have less CC capability than what occursin IP structure 1300, 1380, 1440, or 1500. In general, a basketball,volleyball, football, or baseball/softball IP structure according to theinvention selectively contains one or more of the VC structures parts orportions described above for structure 1300, 1380, 1440, or 1500generally provided that the basketball, volleyball, football, orbaseball/softball IP structure usually contains both of each pair ofsymmetrically situated VC structure parts or portions. When the CCcapability is provided at elongated area directly along the non-criticaledge of a line, the elongated area along the critical edge of the lineis usually at least as wide as, preferably wider than, the elongatedarea along the non-critical edge of the line. The width of the elongatedarea along the critical edge usually exceeds the width of the elongatedarea along the non-critical edge by approximately the width of thatline.

The present CC capability can be used in numerous other sports,especially where a penalty is assessed or a reward is made or/and activeplay is temporarily stopped if an object, such as a ball, impactscertain areas. Other sports suitable for the CC capability includesquash, racketball, racquetball, handball (American), team handball(European), jai alai, platform tennis, paddle tennis, Basque pelota,padel, paleta fronton, real tennis, soft tennis, and squash tennis. Ineach of these other sports, each location having the CC capabilitycontains at least one unit of VC region 106, typically at or directlyalong a finite-width line where a penalty/reward/play-stoppage decisionneeds to be made. SF zone 112 of each unit of region 106 can be the lineor an area, usually elongated, extending along the line so as to adjoinit on one edge (or side) or the other depending on the rules of thesport.

Preferably, the CC capability is embodied with units of both VC regions106 and 886 similar to what occurs in tennis IP structure 1260. One ofSF zones 112 and 892 is then embodied with the line. The other of zones112 and 892 is embodied with an area, again usually elongated, extendingdirectly along the line so as to adjoin it on one edge or the otherdepending on the sports rules. The CC capability can be embodied withunits of VC regions 106, 886, and 906 similar to what occurs in tennisIP structure 1230. If so, zone 892 is embodied with the line. Zones 112and 892 are then respectively embodied with a pair of areas, likewiseusually elongated, adjoining the line along both edges.

Each unit of VC region 106 preferably includes components 182 and 184typically implemented as in OI structure 200. Each unit of VC region 886preferably includes components 932 and 934 typically implemented as inOI structure 930. Each unit of VC region 906 preferably includes an IScomponent and a CC component typically implemented the same as CCcomponent 184 in structure 200.

Squash played inside a hollow rectangular court similar to a shoe boxbut potentially open at the top has a floor, a front wall, two parallelsidewalls, a back wall, and usually a ceiling. The top surface of thefloor, the inside surfaces of the walls, and the bottom surface of theceiling (when present) embody surface 102. A squash court employs lineson the insides of the walls and the top of the floor. An out line isformed by a straight front-wall line extending parallel to the floor, astraight back-wall line extending parallel to the floor at a lowerheight above the floor than the front-wall line, and two straightside-wall lines extended slantedly from the front-wall line to theback-wall line. The front wall has a straight service line extendingparallel to the floor. A rectangular metal plate, usually substantiallytin, extends from the floor partway up the front wall and ends below theservice line. Lines on the floor include a short line extending parallelto the front (or back) wall and a half-court line extendingperpendicular to the short line. The short and half-court lines inconjunction with the side and back walls define inwardly two quartercourts. Each quarter court has a service box spaced apart from thehalf-court line and extending to the closest sidewall.

A served ball embodying object 104 in squash is served with the server'sfeet/shoes positioned in the service box of one of the quarter courts.The ball must impact the front wall above the top edge of the serviceline and below the bottom edge of the front-wall line, i.e., the part ofthe out line on the front wall, and then impact the floor fully in theother (or opposite) quarter court, i.e., beyond the outside edge of theshort line, where “outside” is again relative to the front wall, andinside the inside edge of the half-court line, where “inside” isrelative to that other quarter court, in order to be “in”. A returnedball embodying object 104 must impact the front wall above the tin plateand, in impacting the front wall or any other wall, must impact eachwall below the out line in order to be “in”.

The top edge of the service line, the bottom edge of the out line, andthe outside edge of the short line constitute the critical edges ofthose lines. Hence, the CC capability is preferably at least provided asthree units of SF zone 112 respectively in three elongated areas,usually straight, directly along the top edge of the service line, thebottom edge of the out line, and the outside edge of the short line. Theserver can be positioned in the service box of either quarter courtdepending on the play status so that each edge of the half-court lineconstitutes its critical edge at some point. The CC capability is thenpreferably at least provided as units of SF zones 112 and 912 inelongated areas, usually straight, directly along both edges of thehalf-court line. The CC capability can also be provided as a unit of SFzone 892 at each service, out, short, or half-court line.

The top of the tin plate forms a straight zero-width line extendingparallel to the floor and essentially having a critical edge along thefront wall. Inasmuch as a returned ball impacting the tin plate is“out”, the CC capability is preferably at least provided as a unit of SFzone 112 in elongated front-wall area, usually straight, directly along,and extending upward from, the top edge of the tin plate. The CCcapability can also be provided as a unit of SF zone 892 in an elongatedcover plate, usually largely rectangular, situated over the tin platedirectly along, and extending downward from, its top edge partway to thefloor. Alternatively, the tin plate can be replaced with CC capabilityprovided as a unit of zone 892 in elongated front-wall area, usuallylargely straight, extending downward from the prior location of the topof the tin plate partway to the floor. A narrower tin plate can extendfrom that unit of zone 892 in the elongated front-wall area down to thefloor.

Racketball uses the same court as squash. The ball in/out rules duringservice and return play in racketball are the same as in squash exceptthat racketball apparently does not use the parts of the out line alongthe side and back walls. The locations provided with CC capability forsquash are adequate for racketball.

Racquetball, different from racketball, is played inside a rectangularcourt similar to a shoebox having a floor, a front wall, two sidewalls,a back wall, and a ceiling. Handball (American) is played both indoorsin a rectangular court having a floor, a front wall, two sidewalls, aback wall, and a ceiling and outdoors in a rectangular court having afloor, a front wall, and two parallel sidewalls but no back wall orceiling. In both racquetball and handball, the top surface of the floor,the adjoining surfaces of the walls, and the bottom surface of theceiling (when present) embody surface 102.

Both racquetball and handball employ a short line located on the top ofthe floor and extending parallel to the front wall. A served ballembodying object 104 must impact surface 102 beyond (or behind) theoutside (or back) edge of the straight short line for the ball to be“in” where “outside” (or “back”) is relative to the front wall. When theback wall is absent, handball employs a straight long line located onthe top of the floor beyond the short line and extending parallel to thefront wall. A served or returned ball embodying object 104 is “in” if itimpacts the long line but “out” if it impacts surface 102 beyond theoutside edge of the long line. The outside edge of the short line or,for handball, the long line is its critical edge. The CC capability ispreferably at least provided as a unit of SF zone 112 in elongated area,usually largely straight, lying directly along the outside edge of eachshort or long line. The CC capability can also be provided as a unit ofSF zone 892 at each short or long line.

Handball is also played in a one-wall version in which the top of thefloor has two parallel sidelines extending perpendicular to the shortand long lines. A served or returned ball embodying object 104 is “in”if it impacts either side line but “out” if it impacts surface 102beyond the outside edge of either side line. The outside edge of eachside line is its critical edge.

Team handball (European) is played between two teams on a court whosetop surface embodies surface 102 and consists of a rectangular IB areadivided into two half courts and an OB area directly surrounding the IBarea. Each half court has a number of lines, including a long curvedgoal-area line (6-m line) and a short straight goalkeeper's restrainingline (4-m line). Neither foot, specifically shoe, of either goalkeeperis permitted to impact surface 102 outside that goalkeeper's restrainingline during a 7-m free-throw attempt before the ball has left thehand(s) of the shooter. The critical edge of each goalkeeper'srestraining line is its outside edge, i.e., the edge farthest from thenearest goal line, for object 104 embodied with a shoe such as that ofeither goalkeeper. Either edge of each goal area line can variously actas its critical edge for object 104 similarly embodied with a shoe of aplayer.

The CC capability is provided for the goal-area lines and/or thegoalkeeper restraining lines in an IP structure formed with two teamhandball goal fixtures and a team handball court configured to implementOI structure 900 or 1100 (a) using CC controller 1114 or 1134 forimplementing IP structure 1110 or 1130 or/and (b) IG system 1152 or 1182implementing IP structure 1170 or 1200 when controller 1114 or 1134 andsystem 1152 or 1182 are both present. Controller 1114/1134 in the teamhandball IP structure operates as an intelligent controller for thegoalkeeper's restraining lines and the goal area lines. In particular,controller 1114/1134 usually causes color change at elongated area,usually straight, directly along the outside edge of each goalkeeper'srestraining line so as to embody a unit of SF zone 112 and at curvedelongated area directly along each edge of each goal area line so aslikewise to embody a unit of zone 112 only when the supplemental impactcharacteristics meet the PP or CP expanded impact criteria for impact ofa person's shoe. Controller 1114/1134 may cause color change at eachgoalkeeper's restraining line, or at each goal area line, embodying aunit of SF zone 892 when the supplemental impact characteristics meetthe FR or CP expanded impact criteria for impact of a person's shoe.Impact of a ball, such as that used in team handball, on any of thegoalkeeper's restraining and goal area lines and adjoining VC areaportions usually does not cause a color change.

Jai alai is played on a rectangular court having a floor, a front wall,a left sidewall, a back wall, and sometimes a ceiling but no rightsidewall. The top surface of the floor, the inside surfaces of the threewalls, and the bottom surface of the ceiling, when present, embodysurface 102. The top of the floor has, for regulating certain aspects ofjai alai, fourteen straight lines extending parallel to the front walland numbered 1-14 starting from the front wall. The floor's top also hasa straight right sideline extending parallel to the left sidewall. Theinside of the front wall is divided into an interior rectangular portionof a first color, termed the interior color, and a ⊐-shaped peripheralportion of a second color, termed the peripheral color, different formthe interior color. The peripheral portion adjoins the interior regionalong its entire top, entire right side, and entire bottom to definethree straight zero-width lines respectively extending parallel to thetop, right side, and bottom of the front wall.

A served pelota (ball) embodying object 104 in jai alai must impactinside the interior portion of the front wall, i.e., inside the insideedges of the three lines on the front wall, and then rebound so as toimpact the floor beyond the inside (or front) edge of line 4, in frontof the outside (or back) edge of line 7, and inside the inside (or left)edge of the floor's right sideline where “inside” is relative to the redportion of the front wall for the three front-wall lines, where “inside”(or front) and “outside” (or “back”) are relative to the front wall forlines 1-14, and where “inside” (or “left”) is relative to the leftsidewall for the floor's right sideline. The critical edges for thethree front-wall lines are their inside edges. The critical edges forlines 4 and 7 are respectively their inside and outside edges. Thecritical edge for the floor's right sideline is its inside edge.

The CC capability is preferably at least provided as a unit of SF zone112 at each of (a) three elongated front-wall areas, usually straight,respectively situated at least directly along the inside edges of thethree front-wall lines, (b) two elongated areas, usually straight,respectively extending directly along the inside edge of line 4 and theoutside edge of line 7, and (c) elongated area, usually straight,extending directly along the inside edge of the floor's right sideline.The CC capability may also be provided as a unit of SF zone 892 at eachof (a) three elongated areas of the peripheral front-wall portiondirectly along the inside edges of the three front-wall lines, (b) lines4 and 7, and (c) the floor's right sideline.

Platform tennis is played with paddles and a rubber ball on a wire-meshenclosed court configured the same as, but smaller than, a regulartennis court. A platform tennis court, which has a net dividing thecourt into two half courts the same as a regular tennis court, isdescribed in the same terminology as a regular tennis court except asfollows. Singles sidelines 30, servicelines 34, centerline 36,servicecourts 38, and doubles sidelines 46 are respectively termed alleylines, service lines, center service line, service courts, and sidelinesfor a platform tennis court. The parts of the alley lines between thenet and the service lines are termed service sidelines. The rulesregarding the rubber ball being “in” and “out” in platform tennis arethe same as for a tennis ball. The highest and next highest prioritylocations described above for the CC capability in a regular tenniscourt apply to a platform tennis court subject to the indicatedterminology changes.

The CC capability is similarly provided as one or more units of SF zone112 in area, usually elongated, directly along the critical edge of eachof one or more finite-width lines used in many other sports includingpaddle tennis, Basque pelota, padel, paleta fronton, real tennis, softtennis, and squash tennis. The CC capability may be provided as a unitof SF zone 892 directly at each of these lines.

As occurs in sports IP structure 1230, 1300, 1380, 1440, and 1500, theCC capability may optionally be provided as VC SF zone 912 (or 112) inarea, usually elongated, directly along the edge, termed thenon-critical edge, opposite the critical edge of each finite-width lineused in squash, racketball, racquetball, handball, team handball, jaialai, platform tennis, paddle tennis, Basque pelota, padel, paletafrontón, real tennis, soft tennis, squash tennis, and many other sports.When the CC capability is provided at elongated area directly along thenon-critical edge of any of these lines, the elongated area along thecritical edge of each such line is usually at least as wide as,preferably wider than, the elongated area along the non-critical edge ofthat line. The width of the elongated area along the critical edge ofeach such line usually exceeds the width of the elongated area along thenon-critical edge of that line by approximately the line's width.

The units of VC regions 106, 886, and 906 for the preceding sports,including tennis, can be manufactured (a) as separate unicolor plates,each only having a unit of region 106, 886, or 906 so as to be of onlynormal-state color A, B, or C or (b) as multicolor plates, each havingunits of regions 886 and 106 or/and 906. Each multicolor plate is ofnormal-state colors B and A or/and C depending on whether that platecontains, in addition to a unit of region 886, a unit of only one ofregions 106 and 906 or a unit of both of regions 106 and 906. If themulticolor plates contain cells 404 and 1084, the plates can be cellprogrammed as described above for FIG. 86 to define the location of theboundary of each unit of SF zone 892 with each adjoining unit of SF zone112 on surface 102. If they contain cells 404, 1084, and 1104, themulticolor plates can be cell programmed as described above for FIG. 87to define the locations of the boundaries of each unit of zone 892 withthe adjoining units of SF zones 112 and 912 on surface 102.

The units of VC regions 106, 886, and 906 for these sports can also beremovable VC units, e.g., unicolor or multicolor plates readilyinstalled on, and removed from, substructure 134. The removable VC unitsare installed on substructure 134 prior to a block of one or more sportsactivities for which the present CC capability is needed, removed fromsubstructure 134 subsequent to the block of activities usually beforesurface 102 is used significantly for one or more activities not needingthe CC capability, and so on with further installations and removals.The removable units can even be initially installed on substructure 134as multiple unicolor plates and thereafter so removed and reinstalled asmulticolor plates. If the depressions created in surface 102 due to theremoval of the removable VC units would significantly affect activitiesnot needing the CC capability, units of removable FC regions areinstalled on surface 102 at the locations of the removable VC unitsafter their removal and removed from surface 102 before the removable VCregions are reinstalled on surface 102.

Consecutive ones of the removable units meet smoothly along surface 102.SF zones 112, 892, and 912 of the removable VC units are largelycoplanar with adjoining parts of surface 102. To facilitate removal, theremovable units usually have markings at their boundaries along surface102. The removable units for an embodiment of the units of VC regions106, 886, and 906 are usually rectangular in shape when two oppositeboundaries of the unit of region 886 are parallel lines along surface102. Deterioration of the units of regions 106, 886, and 906 issignificantly reduced by implementing them as removable VC units used inthe preceding way. This implementation and usage of regions 106, 886,and 906 can, of course, be applied to activities other than sports.

Velocity Restitution Matching

The rebound characteristics of object 104 are preferably independent ofwhere it impacts surface 102 in sports such as tennis where object 104is in play after it initially rebounds off surface 102 during eachstroke. In this section, object 104 is again termed ball 104 meaning alargely spherical hollow ball such as a tennis ball. During impact, ball104 moves with its center of mass at a linear vector velocity V definedby (a) a linear scalar velocity (speed) V, (b) an inclination(vertical-plane) angle θ measured along a vertical plane perpendicularto surface 102 at approximately the center of total OC area 124 relativeto a fixed reference line extending along that vertical plane and (c) anazimuthal (lateral-plane) angle φ measured along a lateral planeparallel to surface 102 at approximately the center of area 124 relativeto a fixed reference line extending along that lateral plane. Thereference line for inclination angle θ extends along the lateral planefor azimuthal angle φ. During impact, ball 104 is capable of rotatingabout its center of mass at an angular vector velocity ω having a scalarmagnitude ω. Letting subscript “i” mean incident, ball 104 impactssurface 102 with its center of mass at an incident linear vectorvelocity V _(i) and an incident angular vector velocity ω _(i) whereincident linear vector velocity V _(i) is defined by an incident linearscalar velocity V_(i), an incident inclination angle θ_(i), and anincident azimuthal angle φ_(i). Letting subscript “r” similarly meanrebound, ball 104 rebounds from surface 102 with its center of mass at arebound linear vector velocity V _(r) and a rebound angular vectorvelocity ω _(r) where rebound linear velocity V _(r) is defined by arebound linear scalar velocity V_(r), a rebound inclination angle θ_(r),and a rebound azimuthal angle φ_(r).

FIG. 102a two-dimensionally illustrates how ball 104 deforms inimpacting surface 102 here being a plane at an elevation angle a to atangent to Earth's surface. The center 1600 of mass of ball 104 islocated in the open space inside ball 104 since it is hollow. Ball 104,moving from left to right, impacts surface 102 along an incidenttrajectory 1602 parallel to incident linear velocity V _(i) at impacttime t_(ip). Ball 104 rebounds from surface 102 along a reboundtrajectory 1604 parallel to rebound linear velocity V _(r) at OS timet_(os). FIG. 102a employs a tilted Cartesian xyz coordinate system inwhich the x and y directions respectively extend parallel andperpendicular to surface 102. The orthogonal direction is theydirection. The tangential direction is the direction which azimuthalangle φ defines along the xz plane during impact. Inasmuch as reboundazimuthal angle φ_(r) may differ from incident azimuthal angle φ_(i),the rebound tangential direction may differ from the incident tangentialdirection. The z direction, not indicated in FIG. 102 a, extendsperpendicular to the plane of the figure toward the viewer. Symbol ω_(z)in FIG. 102a indicates the component of angular velocity ω about the zdirection, specifically the negative z direction.

The rebound characteristics formed with rebound linear velocity V_(r),rebound inclination angle θ_(r), rebound azimuthal angle φ_(r), andrebound angular velocity ω _(r) are preferably the same for any givenset of incident characteristics formed with incident linear velocityV_(i), incident inclination angle θ_(i), incident azimuthal angle φ_(i),and incident angular velocity ω _(i) regardless of where ball 104impacts surface 102. A comparison of the rebound characteristics to theincident characteristics is provided by the coefficient (or ratio) e_(o)of orthogonal velocity restitution and the ratio e_(t) of tangentialvelocity restitution. Coefficient e_(o) of orthogonal velocityrestitution equals V_(ry)/V_(iy) where V_(ry) is the component ofrebound linear velocity V_(r) in the positive y direction and V_(iy) isthe component of incident linear velocity V_(i) in the negative ydirection. Scalar velocities V_(iy) and V_(ry) are both positive here.Orthogonal velocity restitution coefficient e_(o) is largely acharacteristic of the properties of ball 104 and the material formingsurface 102 and generally depends only slightly on incident velocities V_(i) and ω _(i).

Ratio e_(t) of tangential velocity restitution equals V_(rt)/V_(it)where V_(rt) is the component of rebound linear velocity V_(r) in therebound tangential direction defined by rebound azimuthal angle φ_(r)and V_(it) is the component of incident linear velocity V_(i) in theincident tangential direction defined by incident azimuthal angle φ_(i).Incident tangential velocity component V_(it) and rebound tangentialvelocity component V_(rt) are:

V _(it)=(V _(ix) ² +V _(iz) ²)^(1/2)   (C1)

V _(rt)=(V _(rx) ² +V _(rz) ²)^(1/2)   (C2)

where V_(ix) and V_(iz) respectively are the components of incidentvelocity V_(i) in the positive x and z directions, and V_(rx) and V_(rz)respectively are the components of rebound velocity V_(r) in thepositive x and z directions.

Rebound linear vector velocity V _(r) at which ball 104 approaches atennis player in the tangential and orthogonal directions in generallyconsiderably more important than rebound angular vector velocity ω _(r)in the player's effort to successfully return ball 104. Arranging forrestitution parameters e_(o) and e_(t) to be independent of where ball104 impacts surface 102 enables the rebound characteristics to belargely independent of the impact location in a practical sense. Inother words, rebound location independence is largely achieved by havingorthogonal coefficient e_(o) be approximately the same across surface102 for the same conditions of incident vector velocities V _(i) and ω_(i) and by having tangential ratio e_(t) be approximately the sameacross surface 102 for the same V _(i) and ω _(i) conditions.

The impact causes ball 104 to flatten, i.e., compress in the y directionand usually expand in the x and z directions. A flattened part 1606 ofball 104 contacts surface 102 at total OC area 124. A portion 1608,indicated in dotted line, of flattened ball-contact part 1606 mayseparate from surface 102 during impact. The forces acting on ball 104during impact consist of the gravitational force F_(m) caused by theball's weight, the frictional force F_(f) resisting the ball's movementalong surface 102 in the x and z directions, and the orthogonal forceF_(o) exerted by surface 102 on ball 104 in they direction.Gravitational force F_(m) equals mg where m is the mass of ball 104 andg is the acceleration of gravity. Force F_(m), although distributedthroughout the mass of ball 104, effectively acts at its mass center1600. Frictional force F_(f) and orthogonal force F_(o) are bothdistributed along area 124.

FIG. 102b two-dimensionally illustrates a simplified model of ball 104impacting surface 102 for analyzing the impact dynamics. The followingassumptions are made for the model: (a) ball 104 remains sphericalduring impact so as to contact surface 102 at a single movable point1610 during OC duration Δt_(oc), i.e., total OC area 124 devolves tocontact point 1610, (b) ball 104 moves only in the xy plane duringimpact so that z-direction tangential velocity components V_(iz) andV_(rz) are zero, (c) ball 104 rotates only about the z axis duringimpact so that angular velocity components in the x and y directions arezero, (d) gravitational force F_(m) acts through mass center 1600, (e)point 1610 and center 1600 are in a straight line extendingperpendicular to surface 102, (f) orthogonal force F_(o) acts at point1610 and thus in line with center 1600, and (g) frictional force F_(f)acts at point 1610 only in the negative x direction. Angular velocity ωof ball 104 is formed solely with scalar angular velocity ω_(z) in thenegative z direction. Scalar angular velocity ω_(z) is positive whenball 104 undergoes forward rotation, termed overspin or topspin, asdepicted in the example of FIG. 102b (and FIG. 102a ) and negative whenball 104 undergoes backward rotation, termed underspin or backspin.Angular velocity ω_(z) has an incident component ω_(iz) and a reboundcomponent ω_(rz). The terminologies used in the references cited belowin this section have been converted into the preceding terminology.

Pallis, “Follow The Bouncing Ball Ball/Court Interaction”, The TennisServer, Tennis Set, Part I, www.tennisserver.com/set/set_02_09.html,September 2002, 8 pp., Part II, www.tennisservercom/set/set_02_10.html,October 2002, 21 pp., and Part III,www.tennisservercom/set/set_02_11.html, November 2002, 20 pp., contentsincorporated by reference herein, presents experimental data on incidentvelocity V_(i), incident angle θ_(i), rebound velocity V_(r), andrebound angle θ_(r) for tennis balls impacting four different types oftennis court surfaces at six different rates of incident spin, i.e.,angular velocity ω_(iz), on the balls. The four courts respectively hada grass surface, a hard-court (often simply “hard”) surface, a red clayservice, and a green clay surface. The six ω_(iz) spin rates were highunderspin at roughly −2,500 rev/min, medium underspin at roughly −1,500rev/min, none (flat) at roughly 0 rev/min, low overspin at roughly 900rev/min, medium overspin at roughly 1,500 rev/min, and high overspin atroughly 3,000 rev/min. Elevation angle a was presumably largely zero forthese courts.

Table 4 below presents the part of Pallis's experimental data on thefour types of court surfaces using the same kind of standard tennisballs, namely Wilson U.S. Open tennis balls. Because Pallis presentedvelocity data in mi/hr, the velocity data has been converted to m/s inTable 4 followed parenthetically by the actual data in mi/hr. Table 4also presents the values of orthogonal coefficient e_(o) and tangentialratio e_(t) calculated from Pallis's velocity/angle data. Coefficiente_(o), defined as V_(ry)/V_(iy), was calculated as V_(r) sin θ_(r)/V_(i)sin θ_(i). Ratio e_(t), defined as V_(rx)/V_(ix), was calculated asV_(r) cos θ_(r)/V_(i) cos θ_(i). For each court, Table 4 furtherpresents the average value of coefficient e_(o) for the six ω_(iz) spinrates and the standard deviation from the average e_(o) value.

TABLE 4 Incid. Vel. Incid. Reb'd Vel. Reb'd Orth. Tang. V_(i) (m/s Angleθ_(i) V_(r) (m/s Angle θ_(r) Restit. Restit. Surface Spin (mi/hr)) (°)(mi/hr)) (°) Coef. e_(o) Ratio e_(t) Grass High under 14.8 (33) 23.1 7.2(16) 29.1 0.60 0.46 Med. under 16.1 (36) 21.6 8.0 (18) 24.4 0.56 0.49None 15.6 (35) 24.9 8.0 (18) 29.4 0.60 0.50 Low over 17.0 (38) 25.3 9.4(21) 28.7 0.62 0.54 Med. over 17.4 (39) 22.8 10.7 (24) 23.2 0.63 0.61High over 17.4 (39) 24.8 12.5 (28) 18.6 0.54 0.75 Average 0.59 Stand.Dev. 0.03 Hard High under 12.5 (28) 20.6 7.2 (16) 29.7 0.80 0.53 Med.under 13.0 (29) 24.6 6.7 (15) 40.8 0.81 0.43 None 14.3 (32) 23.9 8.9(20) 32.9 0.84 0.57 Low over 15.6 (35) 26.6 10.7 (24) 33.1 0.83 0.64Med. over 16.5 (37) 21.9 12.5 (28) 27.4 0.93 0.72 High over 15.6 (35)25.1 13.9 (31) 24.8 0.88 0.89 Average 0.85 Stand. Dev. 0.05 Red Highunder 13.9 (31) 20.1 8.0 (18) 30.1 0.84 0.54 clay Med. under 13.9 (31)23.7 7.6 (17) 37.9 0.83 0.47 None 13.0 (29) 26.5 8.0 (18) 37.5 0.85 0.55Low over 13.9 (31) 25.5 9.4 (21) 34.4 0.89 0.62 Med. over 15.6 (35) 22.811.6 (26) 28.3 0.90 0.71 High over 16.1 (36) 24.1 13.4 (30) 24.5 0.840.83 Average 0.86 Stand. Dev. 0.03 Green High under 10.3 (23) 20.8 5.8(13) 31.5 0.83 0.52 clay Med. under 14.3 (32) 25.1 7.6 (17) 39.9 0.780.45 None 14.8 (33) 26.8 8.9 (20) 37.5 0.82 0.54 Low over 15.2 (34) 27.510.3 (23) 35.5 0.85 0.62 Med. over NA NA NA NA NA NA High over 16.5 (37)28.0 13.9 (31) 27.7 0.83 0.84 Average 0.82 Stand. Dev. 0.03Examination of the e_(o) and standard deviation data indicates that theaverage values of orthogonal coefficients e_(o) for the grass, hard, redclay, and green clay courts respectively were 0.59, 0.85, 0.86, and 0.82with respective small standard deviations of 0.03, 0.05, 0.03, and 0.03.

The foregoing average e_(o) values are consistent with Lindsey, “Followthe Bouncing Ball”, Racquet Sports Industry, April 2004, pp. 39-43,which reports orthogonal coefficients e_(o) of approximately 0.6, 0.83,and 0.85 for grass, hard, and clay tennis courts. Brody et al.(“Brody”), The Physics and Technology of Tennis (Racquet Tech Pub.),2002, pp. 343-357, reports the same 0.83 and 0.85 e_(o) valuesrespectively for hard and clay courts. Brody mentions that coefficiente_(o) decreases slightly with increasing incident orthogonal velocityV_(iy), at least when incident angle θ_(i) is approximately 90° and thatcoefficient e_(o) mysteriously increases slightly as angle θ_(i)decreases. Cross et al. (“Cross”), Technical Tennis (Racquet Tech Pub.),2005, pp. 90-108, similarly reports e_(o) values of 0.80 and 0.85respectively for hard and clay courts.

A composite of the e_(o) values reported by Lindsey, Brody, and Crossand calculated from Pallis's data indicates that orthogonal coefficiente_(o) is the same for typical hard and clay courts, namely approximately0.85, and that coefficient e_(o) is approximately 0.60 for a typicalgrass court subject to slight decrease with increasing incidentorthogonal linear velocity V_(iy), slight increase with increasingincident angle θ_(i), and slight dependence on initial ω_(iz) spin rate,the e_(o) values in Table 4 being slightly greater for moderate overspinthan for the other spin rates. Percentage variations in coefficiente_(o) with linear velocity V_(iy), angle θ_(i), and initial ω_(iz)angular velocity are expected to be approximately the same for a grasscourt as for a hard or clay court. The percentage differenceΔe_(o)/e_(oav) between coefficient e_(o) for a typical hard or claycourt and coefficient e_(o) for a typical grass court is somewhatgreater than 30% for the same incident conditions, i.e., the same valuesof incident linear vector velocity V _(i) and incident angular vectorvelocity ω _(i), where Δe_(o) is the actual difference between the twoe_(o) values, and e_(oav) is their average.

Grass, on one hand, and hard surface or clay, on the other hand,represent tennis-court extremes for orthogonal coefficient e_(o).Coefficient e_(o) across a court incorporating the present IP technologyis preferably approximately fixed at a value ranging from a low of 0.60for grass to a high of 0.85 for hard surface or clay. For the sameincident conditions, the court acts more like grass than hard surface orclay when its e_(o) value is closer to 0.60 than to 0.85 and more likehard surface or clay than grass when its e_(o) value is closer to 0.85than 0.60. In percentage terms at the same incident conditions, thecourt generally acts more like grass than hard surface or clay when itse_(o) value is no more than approximately 15% above 0.60 and more likehard surface or clay than grass when its e_(o) value is no more thanapproximately 15% below 0.85.

Orthogonal coefficient e_(o) is usually constant along VC SF zone 112,892, or 912 depending on which of zones 112, 892, and 912, hereaftersimplified to zones 112 and 912 for the reasons given above, arepresent. Coefficient e_(o) is likewise usually constant along FC SF zone114, 894, or 914 depending on which of zones 114, 894, and 914,hereafter simplified to zones 114 and 894 for the above reasons, arepresent. However, coefficient e_(o) along zone 112 or 892 can differfrom coefficient e_(o) along zone 114 or 894 because VC region 106 or886 is constituted differently than FC region 108 or 888. With the e_(o)data for typical grass, hard, and clay courts in mind, one factor inhaving the rebound characteristics be independent of the impact locationentails having coefficient e_(o) along zone 112 or 892 differ by no morethan 15%, preferably by no more than 10%, more preferably by no morethan 5%, even more preferably by no more than 3%, yet even morepreferably by no more than 2%, from coefficient e_(o) along zone 114 or894 for ball 104 separately impacting zones 112 and 114 or 892 and 894at identical conditions (values) of incident vector velocities V _(i)and ω _(i). By meeting this e_(o) specification, court areas such as VCcourt portions 1240, 1242, 1244, and 1246 embodying zone 112 in tennisIP structure 1230 avoid approximating the e_(o) rebound characteristicsof a typical grass court when court areas such as FC parts 1250, 1252,1254, and 1256 embodying zone 114 in structure 1230 have the e_(o)rebound characteristics of a typical hard or clay court, and vice versa.

Coefficient e_(o) may be considerably higher than 0.6 for some grasscourts, e.g., 0.75 per Cross. By modifying the preceding e_(o)specification to require that coefficient e_(o) along VC SF zone 112 or892 differ by no more than 5%, preferably by no more than 4%, morepreferably by no more than 3%, even more preferably by no more than 2%,yet even more preferably by no more than 1%, from coefficient e_(o)along FC SF zone 114 or 894, the modified e_(o) specification is appliedto avoid having court areas such as VC court portions 1240, 1242, 1244,and 1246 in IP structure 1230 approximate the e_(o) reboundcharacteristics of a grass court with an e_(o) value up to 0.75 whencourt areas such as FC parts 1250, 1252, 1254, and 1256 in structure1230 have the e_(o) rebound characteristics of a typical hard or claycourt, and vice versa.

Subject to color B differing from color A, VC regions 106 and 886 areusually constituted the same when both are present. In view of this,orthogonal coefficient e_(o) along each VC SF zone 112 or 892 differs byno more than 5%, preferably by no more than 3%, more preferably by nomore than 2%, even more preferably by no more that 1%, from coefficiente_(o) along each other zone 112 or 892 for ball 104 separating impactingzones 112 and 892 at identical conditions of vector velocities V _(i)and ω _(i). FC regions 108 and 888 are likewise usually constituted inthe same way when both are present. Coefficient e_(o) along each FC SFzone 114 or 894 differs by no more than 5%, preferably by no more than3%, more preferably by no more than 2%, even more preferably by no morethat 1%, from coefficient e_(o) along each other zone 114 or 894 forball 104 separately impacting zones 114 and 894 at identical V _(i) andω _(i) conditions.

Ball 104 slides or/and rolls while it contacts surface 102 during animpact. In particular, ball 104 usually begins an impact by sliding andmay complete the impact by sliding or rolling. In the model of FIG. 102b, contact point 1610 is instantaneously motionless during rolling asball 104 rotates around it. Frictional force F_(f) is much greaterduring sliding than rolling.

Frictional force F_(f) insofar as it is directed in the negative xdirection causes ball 104 to slow down and thereby causes reboundtangential velocity V_(rx) to decrease. Tangential ratio e_(t) generallyincreases as force F_(f) in the negative x direction decreases and viceversa. Referring again to Table 4, the values of ratio e_(t) calculatedfrom Pallis's data generally increase as incident angular velocityω_(iz) increases, i.e., as the spin goes from high underspin to highoverspin. This seemingly occurs because (i) the tennis balls undergoboth sliding and rolling during impact at the incident conditionsexamined in Pallis and (ii) increasing incident angular velocity ω_(iz)causes rolling to occur progressively earlier during impact so that thetotal amount of force F_(f) in the negative x direction progressivelydecreases.

Grass presents less friction than hard surface or clay. The e_(t) valuesin Table 4 show, with a few exceptions, that tangential ratio e_(t) isconsiderably lower for grass than for hard surface or clay at anyparticular ω_(iz) spin value consistent with frictional force F_(f)being lower for grass than hard surface or clay. Hence, ratio e_(t) canbe used to distinguish the rebound characteristics of grass from thoseof hard surface or clay.

Clay courts are generally perceived as being “slower” than hard courts,i.e., frictional force F_(f) is seemingly greater for clay than hardsurface at the same V _(i) and ω _(i) conditions. Tangential ratio e_(t)should be lower for clay than hard surface. However, the e_(t) values inTable 4 at any particular ω_(iz) spin value are generally notsignificantly different. The so-calculated e_(t) values do not provide abasis for distinguishing between the rebound characteristics of hardsurface and clay. This lack of differentiation may arise because rollingoccurs much more than sliding during impact at Pallis's incidentconditions, especially the values of incident angle θ_(i), all 20° ormore.

Cross mentions that tennis balls only slide during impact when incidentangle θ_(i) is sufficiently small, less than 20°, perhaps considerablyless than 20°. Consider the dynamics of the sliding-only situation.Frictional force F_(f) is then the force of sliding friction. The totalforce F_(x) in the (positive) x direction is −F_(f)+F_(m) sin α. Thetotal force in the (positive) y direction is F_(o)−F_(m) cos α.Frictional force F_(f) and normal force F_(o) respectively are:

F _(f) =−F _(x) +F _(m) sin α  (C3)

F _(o) =F _(y) +F _(m) cos α  (C4)

The average coefficient μ_(s) of sliding friction during OC durationΔt_(oc) is:

$\begin{matrix}{\mu_{s} = \frac{{\int_{0}^{\Delta \; t_{oc}}{F_{f}{dt}}}\ }{{\int_{0}^{\Delta \; t_{oc}}{F_{o}{dt}}}\ }} & ({C5})\end{matrix}$

Combining Eqs. C3 and C4 into Eq. C5 leads to:

$\begin{matrix}{\mu_{s} = {\frac{\int_{0}^{\Delta \; t_{oc}}{\left( {{- F_{x\;}} + {F_{m}\sin \; \alpha}} \right){dt}}}{\int_{0}^{\Delta \; t_{oc}}{\left( {F_{y\;} + {F_{m}\cos \; \alpha}} \right){dt}}} = \frac{{- {\int_{0}^{\Delta \; t_{oc}}{F_{x}{dt}}}} + {F_{m}\Delta \; t_{oc}\sin \; \alpha}}{{\int_{0}^{\Delta \; t_{oc}}{F_{y}{dt}}} + {F_{m}\Delta \; t_{oc}\cos \; \alpha}}}} & ({C6})\end{matrix}$

Evaluating the integrals using Newton's second law that force equals thetime derivative of momentum and therefore that the time integral offorce equals the change in momentum, and substituting mg forgravitational force F_(m) yields:

$\begin{matrix}{\mu_{s} = {\frac{{- {m\left( {V_{rx} - V_{ix}} \right)}} + {{mg}\; \Delta \; t_{oc}\sin \; \alpha}}{{m\left( {V_{ry} + V_{iy}} \right)} + {{mg}\; \Delta \; t_{oc}\cos \; \alpha}} = \frac{V_{ix} - V_{rx} + {g\; \Delta \; t_{oc}\sin \; \alpha}}{V_{iy} + V_{ry} + {g\; \Delta \; t_{oc}\cos \; \alpha}}}} & ({C7})\end{matrix}$

OC duration Δt_(oc) is typically several ms, invariably less than 10 ms,when ball 104 is a tennis ball. The term gΔt_(oc) cos α in thedenominator of Eq. C7 is a very small percent, usually considerably lessthan 1%, of the orthogonal velocity denominator summation termV_(iy)+V_(ry) for V_(iy) and V_(ry) values during a tennis match.Elevation angle α is usually very close to zero for a tennis court. Theterm gΔt_(oc) sin α in the numerator of Eq. C7 is likewise a very smallpercent, usually considerably less than 1%, of the tangential velocitynumerator difference term V_(ix)-V_(rx) for V_(ix) and V_(rx) valuesduring a tennis match. Sliding friction coefficient μ_(s) is thenclosely approximated as:

$\begin{matrix}{\mu_{s} = \frac{V_{ix} - V_{rx}}{V_{iy} + V_{ry}}} & ({C8})\end{matrix}$

Overall tangential velocity components V_(it) and V_(rt) respectivelyequal x-direction tangential velocity components V_(ix) and V_(rx) sincez-direction tangential velocity components V_(iz) and V_(rz) are assumedto be zero. Tangential ratio e_(t) equals V_(rx)/V_(ix). Applying thisrelationship and the relationship that orthogonal coefficient e_(o)equals V_(ry)/V_(iy) to Eq. C8 results in:

$\begin{matrix}{\mu_{s} = {\frac{\left( {1 - e_{t}} \right)V_{ix}}{\left( {1 + e_{o}} \right)V_{iy}} = {\left( \frac{1 - e_{t}}{1 + e_{o}} \right)\cot \mspace{11mu} \theta_{i}}}} & ({C9})\end{matrix}$

where the ratio V_(ix)/V_(iy) is the cotangent of incident angle θ_(i).Solving Eq. C9 for tangential ratio e_(t) yields:

e _(t)=1−μ_(s)(1+e _(o))tan θ_(i)   (C10)

In addition to the characteristics of the material forming surface 102,sliding friction coefficient μ_(s) depends on dynamic factors, includingincident vertical velocity V_(iy). Various μ_(s) values are reported forgrass, hard, and clay court for various incident conditions. For thesame incident conditions, the μ_(s) value for clay exceeds the μ_(s)value for hard surface which exceeds the μ_(s) value for grass. Variousreferences, e.g., Brody, report μ_(s) values of 0.8, 0.7, and 0.6respectively for clay, hard, and grass courts, presumably at the sameincident conditions.

Table 5 below shows how tangential ratio e_(t) varies with incidentangle θ_(i) for grass, hard surface, and clay having the preceding μ_(s)values and the preceding respective e_(o) values of 0.60, 0.85, and0.85. For comparison purposes, Table 5 also shows how ratio e_(t) varieswith incident angle θ_(i) for hard surface having μ_(s) and e_(o) valuesof 0.7 and 0.80. Three values, 12°, 16°, and 20°, of angle θ_(i) areused in Table 5. A tennis ball is generally expected to slide withoutrolling when angle θ_(i) is 12° or 16° and may slide without rollingwhen angle θ_(i) is 20°.

TABLE 5 Sliding Orthogonal Tangential Percentage Friction RestitutionIncident Restitution Diff. Coefficient Coefficient Angle Ratio Hard-claySurface μ_(s) e_(o) θ_(i) (°) e_(t) Δe_(t)/e_(tav) Clay 0.8 0.85 12 0.6916 0.58 20 0.46 Hard 0.7 0.85 12 0.72 4 16 0.63 8 20 0.53 14 Hard 0.70.80 12 0.73 6 16 0.64 10 20 0.54 16 Grass 0.6 0.60 12 0.80 16 0.72 200.65

As Table 5 indicates, tangential ratio e_(t) varies considerably withincident angle θ_(i) for any particular type of court surface. TheInternational Tennis Federation indicates in “ITF Approved Tennis Balls,Classified Surfaces & Recognised Courts, a Guide to Products & TestMethods”, part B, sect. 4, www.itftennis.com/media/165935/165935.pdf,2014, pp. 37-40, that it uses 16° as a reference value of angle θ_(i)for assessing court friction and restitution characteristics. At the 16°θ_(i) reference value, ratio e_(t) is approximately 0.58 for a claycourt and approximately 0.63 or 0.64 for a hard court depending onwhether its e_(o) value is 0.85 or 0.80.

Table 5 presents the percentage difference Δe_(t)/e_(tav) betweentangential ratio e_(t) for a hard court and ratio e_(t) for a clay courtat each θ_(i) value where Δe_(t) is the actual difference between thetwo e_(t) values, and e_(tav) is their average. Hard-clay percentagedifference Δe_(t)/e_(tav) increases with increasing incident angleθ_(i). At the 16° θ_(i) reference value, hard-clay percentage differenceΔe_(t)/e_(tav) is approximately 8% or 10% depending on whether the e_(o)value for a hard court is 0.85 or 0.80. Ratio e_(t) is approximately8-10% higher for a typical hard court than a typical clay court at 16°incidence. For the same incident impact conditions including 16°incidence, a court acts more like hard surface than clay when its e_(t)value is closer to 0.63 or 0.64 than to 0.58 and more like clay thanhard surface when its e_(t) value is closer to 0.58 than 0.63 or 0.64.In percentage terms at the same incident conditions including 16° forincident angle θ_(i), the court acts more like hard surface than claywhen its e_(t) value is above 0.63-0.64 or no more than 4-5% below0.63-0.64 and more like clay than hard surface when its e_(t) value isbelow 0.58 or no more than 4-5% above 0.58.

The 0.58 and 0.63 or 0.64 e_(t) values for clay and hard surface at 16°incidence are based on the simplified model of FIG. 102 b. While actuale_(t) values for clay and hard surface at 16° incidence may respectivelydiffer somewhat from 0.58 and 0.63 or 0.64, tangential ratio e_(t) isstill expected to be approximately 8-10% higher for typical hard surfacethan typical clay at 16° incidence using the actual e_(t) values. Acourt acts more like hard surface than clay when its ratio e_(t) isabove the actual e_(t) value for hard surface or no more than 4-5% belowthe actual hard-surface e_(t) value and more like clay than hard surfacewhen its ratio e_(t) is below the actual e_(t) value for clay or no morethan 4-5% above the actual clay e_(t) value.

Tangential ratio e_(t) is usually the same along VC SF zone 112 or 892for any particular θ_(i) value, e.g., the 16° reference value, dependingon which of zones 112 and 892 are present. Ratio e_(t) is likewiseusually the same along FC SF zone 114 or 894 for any particular θ_(i)value depending on which of zones 114 and 894 are present. However,ratio e_(t) along zone 112 or 892 can differ from ratio e_(t) along zone114 or 894 for any particular θ_(i) value because VC region 106 or 886is constituted differently than FC region 108 or 888. With the e_(t)data for typical hard and clay courts in mind, another factor in havingthe rebound characteristics be independent of the impact locationentails having ratio e_(t) along zone 112 or 892 differ by no more than5%, preferably by no more than 4%, more preferably by no more than 3%,even more preferably by no more than 2%, yet even more preferably by nomore than 1%, from ratio e_(t) along zone 114 or 894 for ball 104separately impacting zones 112 and 114 or 892 and 894 at identicalconditions (values) of incident vector velocities V _(i) and ω _(i) at16° for incident angle θ_(i). By meeting this e_(t) specification, courtareas such as VC court portions 1240, 1242, 1244, and 1246 in tennis IPstructure 1230 avoid having the e_(t) rebound characteristics of atypical clay court when court areas such as FC parts 1250, 1252, 1254,and 1256 in structure 1230 have the e_(t) rebound characteristics of atypical hard court and vice versa.

A standard clay tennis court is usually largely covered with looseparticles whose maximum average diameter is several mm. Some of theseparticles invariably migrate over the units of SF zones 112 and 912 in aclay tennis court provided with the present CC capability. It isexpected that the presence of these particles on the units of VC SFzones 112 and 892 will cause tangential ratio e_(t) along zone 112 or892 to approach ratio e_(t) along FC SF zone 114 or 894.

The characteristics of SF structures 242 and 962 variously in OIstructures 240, 260, 270, 320, 330, 440, 450, 460, 490, 500, 960, 980,990, and 1010 can readily be chosen to achieve the preceding e_(o) ande_(t) matching between VC SF zone 112 or 892 and FC SF zone 114 or 894.For instance, the material defining zone 114 or 894 can be an SF layerof the same material and the same thickness, and thus the same slidingfriction coefficient μ_(s) and light transmissivity, as SF structure 242or 962. If structure 242 or 962 consists of multiple layers, thematerial along zone 114 or 894 can consist of multiple layersrespectively identical material-wise and thickness-wise to, and in thesame order as, the layers of structure 242 or 962. The two or morelayers along zone 114 or 894 then have the same sliding frictioncoefficient μ_(s) and light transmissivity, as structure 242 or 962. Thepresence of structures 242 and 962 thus facilitates having the reboundcharacteristics of ball 104 be independent of where it impacts surface102. Also, the layer directly below this SF layer or two or more layersalong zone 114 or 894 largely defines color A′ or B″ that FC region 108or 888 appears along zone 114 or 894.

Variations

While the invention has been described with reference to particularembodiments, this description is solely for the purpose of illustrationand is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the claimedinvention. For instance, the above timing and color-differenceparameters can be presented in spectral radiance terms in which thewavelength variation of the power present in light is characterized byits spectral radiance L_(eλ) instead of its spectral radiosity J_(λ).Subject to replacing maximum value J_(pmax) of radiosity parameter J_(p)with a corresponding maximum value for a corresponding radianceparameter, the relationships given above for approximate times t_(fs),t_(fe), t_(rs), and t_(re) can be used with spectral radiance L_(eλ)replacing spectral radiosity J_(λ). The minimum values presented abovefor full XN delays Δt_(f) and Δt_(r), CC duration Δt_(dr), 50% XN delaysΔt_(f50) and Δt_(r50), 90% XN delays Δt_(f90) and Δt_(r90), and10%-to-90% XN delays Δt_(f10-90) and Δt_(r10-90) carry over to thesituation where spectral radiance L_(eλ) replaces spectral radiosityJ_(λ).

If VC region 106 in OI structure 130, 240, 280, or 320 is installed onsubstructure 134 after being manufactured, region 106 can include aninstallation/protective layer extending along substructure 134. CCcomponent 184 in OI structure 180 or 260 can include aninstallation/protective layer, embodied with FA layer 206 in OIstructure 200 or 270, extending along substructure 134 if region 106 isseparately manufactured. Each installation/protective layer, used forinstalling region 106 on substructure 134, protects the adjacent ISCCmaterial from damage during the time period between the manufacture ofregion 106 and its installation on substructure 134. Each of VC regions886 and 906 in OI structure 920 or 960 can include such aninstallation/protective layer, embodied with FA layer 946 of region 886in OI structure 930 or 980, situated along substructure 134.

DE structure 282 in OI structure 280 or 320 can also include aninstallation/protective layer extending along substructure 134 forinstalling VC region 106 on substructure 134 if region 106 is separatelymanufactured. This installation/protective layer protects the DE andISCC material from damage during the period between the manufacture ofregion 106 and its installation on substructure 134. If VC regions 886and 906 in OI structure 990 are separately manufactured, each DEstructure 992 or 994 can include such an installation/protective layersituated along substructure 134.

Instead of having PP IDVC portion 138 in OI structure 280 or 300 changecolor directly in response to the deformation along SF DF area 122meeting the above-mentioned PP basic SF DF criteria, portion 138 canchange color in response to the PP general CC control signal generatedin response to the deformation along area 122, specifically print area118, meeting the basic SF DF criteria sometimes dependent on otherimpact criteria, typically the PP supplemental impact criteria, alsobeing met. The same applies to portion 138 and, subject to appropriatecontrol signal and criteria changes, AD IDVC portion 926 and the FR IDVCportion in variations of OI structure 990 or 1110 lacking SF structures242, 962, and 964. Rather than have portion 138 in OI structure 320 or330 change color directly in response to the deformation along internalDP IF area 256 meeting the above-mentioned PP basic internal DFcriteria, portion 138 can change color in response to the PP general CCcontrol signal generated in response to the deformation along area 256,specifically IF segment 256, meeting the basic internal DF criteriasometimes dependent on other impact criteria, again typically the PPsupplemental impact criteria, also being met. The same applies toportion 138 and, subject to appropriate control signal and criteriachanges, AD IDVC portion 926 and the FR IDVC portion in OI structure 990or 1110.

Rather than have each CM cell 404 in OI structure 470 or 480 changecolor directly in response to the deformation along that cell's SF part406 meeting the above-mentioned PP cellular SF DF criteria, each CM cell404 can change color in response to its cellular CC control signalgenerated in response to the deformation its SF part 406 meeting thecellular SF DF criteria sometimes dependent on other impact criteria,typically the PP supplemental impact criteria, also being met. The sameapplies to CM cells 404 and, subject to appropriate control signal andcriteria changes, CM cells 1084 and 1104 in cellular embodiments ofvariations of OI structure 990 or 1110 lacking SF structures 242, 962,and 964. Instead of having each CM cell 404 in OI structure 490 or 500change color directly in response to the deformation along that cell'sIF part 444 meeting the above-mentioned PP cellular internal DFcriteria, each CM cell 404 can change color in response to its cellularCC control signal generated in response to the deformation along its IFpart 444 meeting the cellular internal DF criteria sometimes dependenton other impact criteria, likewise typically the PP supplemental impactcriteria, also being met. The same applies to CM cells 404 and, subjectto appropriate control signal and criteria changes, CM cells 1084 and1104 in cellular embodiments of OI structure 990 or 1110.

DE structures 282 and 302 can be replaced with structures directlyresponsive to excess pressure. The same applies to the DE parts of cells404, 1084, and 1104. If substructure-reflected ARsb or XRsb light exitsSF zone 112 in any of the four general embodiments of CC component 184based on light-reflection changes or in any of the six generalembodiments of component 184 based on light-emission changes, ARsb lightis included in each total light determination for VC region 106 duringthe normal state, and XRsb light is included in each total lightdetermination for IDVC portion 138 during the changed state.

The object tracking provided by IG structure 804 can be performed by anon-optical technique, e.g., a Doppler-shift technique such as radar orsonar. Rather than track the movement of object 104 and generate amoving image that follows the movement of object 104, structure 804 canprovide an image of surface 102 as object 104 moves over surface 102 andthen zoom in on object 104 at OC area 116.

When IG structure 804 generates PP PAV images as described above, CCcontroller 832 or 852 can sometimes be deleted in a variation of IPstructure 830 or 850. IP structure 1150 (or 1170) or 1180 (or 1200) canbe modified the same as IP structure 800 (or 830) or 840 (or 850)subject to changing OI structure 100 or 400 to OI structure 900 or 1100,IG controller 806 or 846 to IG controller 1154 or 1184, PP LI impactsignals to PP, AD, and FR LI impact signals, print area 118 to printareas 118, 898, and 918, SF zone 112 to SF zones 112, 892, and/or 912, aPP PAV image to a PP, AD, FR, or CP PAV image, and CC controller 832 or852 to CC controller 1114 or 1134.

The capability to selectively activate and deactivate the VC strips canbe extended beyond tennis. In general, each of two or more different VCparcels of the VC structure formed with at least one of VC regions 106,886, and 906 can be selectively activated and deactivated at selectedtimes. Subject to each VC parcel consisting of material of the VCstructure different from each other VC parcel, each VC parcel mayinclude one or more portions of the VC structure present in one or moreother VC parcels. One of the VC parcels may consist of the entire VCstructure. The time periods during which two or more of the VC parcelsare activated may partly or fully overlap.

The selective activation and deactivation of the VC parcels iscontrolled with a suitable switch located on CC controller 1114/1134 orseparate from it for communicating with it remotely via a COM path. Aperson can operate the switch manually or by voice. IG structure 804,again specifically image-collecting apparatus 808, can providecontroller 1114/1134 with images of activities occurring along surface102. Controller 1114/1134 employs a shape-recognition capability forrecognizing shapes present in those images and, when specified shapesare recognized, automatically selectively activates and deactivates theVC parcels at selected times. Apparatus 808 may then include separatecomponents for respectively collecting PAV images and images of otheractivities occurring along surface 102.

CC controller 1114/1134 may consist of separate units, including one forthe (optional) sound-generation capability. CC controller 832, 852,1114, or 1134 and IG controller 806, 846, 1154, or 1184 can be mergedinto one controller. OI structure 900 or 1100 can be extended to includemore than three VC regions variously laterally adjoining one another.

A particular implementation of intelligent controller 702 or 752 canrespond to different embodiments of object 104, e.g., a person's footand a ball such as a tennis ball, impacting (the same embodiment of) VCSF zone 112 sufficient to cause the PP supplemental impact criteria tobe generated by having the supplemental impact criteria formulated asrespective different PP supplemental impact criteria groups to which thePP general supplemental impact information is compared to determine ifit meets any of these criteria groups and, if so, for providing the PPgeneral CC initiation signal or PP cellular CC initiation signals forcausing the PP IDVC portion (138) to temporarily undergo color change atprint area 118. Changed color X can be the same for all the criteriagroups or different for at least two of the criteria groups. The sameapplies to CC controller 832 or 852 when it is implemented as controller702 or 752. A particular implementation of CC controller 1114 or 1134functioning as an intelligent controller akin to controller 702 or 752can operate in the same way subject to changing VC SF zone 112, the PPsupplemental impact criteria, the different PP supplemental impactcriteria groups, the PP general CC initiation signal, the PP cellular CCinitiation signals, the PP IDVC portion, and print area 118 respectivelyto VC SF zones 112, 892, and 912, the PP, AD, FR, and CP supplementalimpact criteria, different PP, AD, FR, and CP supplemental impactcriteria groups, the PP, AD, and FR general CC initiation signals, thePP, AD, and FR cellular CC initiation signals, the PP, AD, and FR IDVCportions, and print areas 118, 898, and 918.

In tennis matches using linespersons to (initially) decide whethertennis balls are “in” or “out”, the most difficult in/out decisions ongroundstroked balls are often on balls impacting surface 102 on or closeto baselines 28 because the balls are moving roughly perpendicular tothe lines of vision of the specific linespersons making the decisions.The present CC capability is limited, in a singles/doubles variation oftennis IP structure 1260, to ␣-shaped VC OB area portions 1276 or to theparts of portions 1276 along baselines 28. In a singles-only variationof structure 1260 lacking alleys 48, the CC capability is limited to theparts of OB portions 1276 along shortened baselines 28 and potentiallyalso to VC singles HA area portions 1274 that become parts of OBportions 1276 in this variation. Limiting the CC capability to OB areain any of these ways avoids any need for velocity restitution matching.This is especially attractive for grass courts where it may be difficultto achieve good velocity restitution matching between VC IB courtportions 1270, 1272, 1274, and 1276, on one hand, and FC IB court parts1280, 1282, and 1284, on the other hand. Although only a partialsolution to improved line calling, limiting the CC capability in any ofthese ways may be a good compromise between keeping the CC-capabilityimplementation cost down while overcoming a serious line-call problem.

The present CC capability can generally be used in situations (a) wheretwo SF zones of different colors meet to form a zero-width line at theirinterface and (b) a SF zone is sandwiched between two SF zones ofdifferent color than the sandwiched zone. A major example of thesandwiched zone is a finite-width line, such as a line on a sportsplaying area, which can be straight or curved or various combinations ofstraight and/or curved lines. The CC capability can be used in numerousnon-sports situations, e.g., in a carpet to track and record the path ofa person undergoing a drunk-driving walking test. The CC capability isgenerally best suited for indoor usage to avoid harsh weather conditionsbut can be used outdoors. Object 104, although usually moving throughair, can be employed in situations where it moves through gas whoseconstituency differs from standard air. Object 104 can move through asubstantial vacuum in some situations.

In order to distinguish between impacts by object 104 and impacts bybodies not intended to cause color change, the material forming surface102 can be of a nature as to cause color change only when the outsidesurface of an impacting body has the chemical, electrical, or/andintensive physical properties of the outside surface of object 104.Exemplary intensive physical properties include texture and hardness.This characteristic of the material forming surface 102 can, forexample, be used to distinguish between impact of a shoe and impact of aball such as a tennis ball, basketball, or volleyball because a shoealmost invariably has different chemical, electrical, or/and intensivephysical properties than a ball.

The words “principal”, “additional”, and “further” and their acronyms“PP”, “AD”, and “FR” as used in differentiating VC regions 106, 886, and906, corresponding SF zones 112, 892, and 912, the TH impact criteria,the supplemental impact criteria, and the expanded impact criteria arearbitrary and can be variously interchanged. The PP, AD, FR, and CP PAVimages can be described as close-up images. When OC areas 896 and 116or/and 916 are continuous with one another, they can be described as asingle OC area. When print areas 898 and 118 or/and 918 are continuouswith one another, they similarly can be described as a single printarea. Various modifications may be made by those skilled in the artwithout departing from the true scope of the invention as defined by theclaims.

I claim:
 1. An information-presentation (“IP”) structure comprising: anobject-impact (“OI”) structure having an exposed surface for beingimpacted by an object during an activity, the OI structure comprising aprincipal variable-color (“VC”) region which extends to the exposedsurface at a principal surface zone and normally appears along thesurface zone largely as a principal color during the activity, animpact-dependent (“ID”) portion of the VC region responding to theobject impacting the surface zone at an ID object-contact (“OC”) areaspanning where the object contacts the surface zone by temporarilyappearing along an ID print area of the surface zone largely as changedcolor materially different from the principal color if the impact meetsprincipal threshold impact criteria, the print area at least partlyencompassing, at least mostly outwardly conforming largely to, and beinglargely concentric with the OC area, the ID portion subsequentlyreturning to appearing along the print area largely as the principalcolor, color-change (“CC”) time duration of the ID portion changing fromstarting to appear along the print area materially different from theprincipal color to returning to appear along the print area largely asthe principal color being, absent externally caused adjustment,substantially in a principal CC time duration range established prior tothe impact; and a CC controller responsive to both the impact andsubsequent external instruction for controlling the ID portion so as toadjust the CC duration subsequent to the impact.
 2. An IP structure asin claim 1 wherein the controller enables the CC duration to be adjustedso as to be greater than the high end of the CC duration range or/andless than the low end of the CC duration range.
 3. An IP structure as inclaim 1 wherein the instruction is manually provided, directly orremotely, to the controller.
 4. An IP structure as in claim 1 whereinthe instruction is provided, directly or remotely, by human voice to thecontroller.
 5. An IP structure as in claim 1 wherein the CC durationrange is no more than 2 s in length.
 6. An IP structure as in claim 1wherein the CC duration is at least 2 s.
 7. An IP structure as in claim1 wherein the CC duration is no more than 60 s.
 8. An IP structure as inclaim 1 wherein the VC region comprises: impact-sensitive color-change(“ISCC”) structure, responsive to the impact so as to cause deformationalong an ID surface deformation area of the surface zone, for causingthe ID portion to temporarily appear along the print area largely as thechanged color if the impact meets the threshold impact criteria; andduration-extension structure responsive to the impact for causing theISCC structure to deform along an ID internal deformation area, spacedapart from the surface deformation area, so that the ISCC structurecauses the ID portion to further temporarily appear along the print arealargely as the changed color if the object meets the threshold impactcriteria, thereby extending the CC duration.
 9. An IP structure as inclaim 1 wherein the ID portion provides an impact signal in response tothe impact if it meets the threshold impact criteria, the controllerresponding to both the impact signal, if provided, and the instructionby providing the ID portion with a CC duration signal for adjusting theCC duration subsequent to the impact.
 10. An IP structure as in claim 9wherein: the VC region normally reflects light having at least amajority component of wavelength suitable for forming the principalcolor such that the VC region normally appears along the surface zonelargely as the principal color; and the ID portion responds (a) to theimpact by temporarily reflecting light having at least a majoritycomponent of wavelength suitable for forming color different from theprincipal color if the impact meets the threshold impact criteria suchthat the ID portion temporarily appears along the print area largely asthe changed color and (b) subsequently to the duration signal byadjusting duration of the ID portion reflecting light having at least amajority component of wavelength suitable for forming color differentfrom the principal color so that the ID portion appears along the printarea largely as the changed color.
 11. An IP structure as in claim 9wherein the ID portion responds (a) to the impact by temporarilyemitting light having at least a majority component of wavelengthsuitable for forming color different from the principal color if theimpact meets the threshold impact criteria such that the ID portiontemporarily appears along the print area largely as the changed colorand (b) subsequently to the CC duration signal by adjusting duration ofthe ID portion emitting light having at least a majority component ofwavelength suitable for forming color different from the principal colorso that the ID portion appears along the print area largely as thechanged color.
 12. An IP structure as in claim 9 wherein the VC regioncomprises an impact-sensitive (“IS”) component and a CC component, an IDsegment of the IS component responding to the impact by providing animpact effect if the impact meets the threshold impact criteria, an IDsegment of the CC component responding (a) to the impact effect bycausing the ID portion to temporarily appear along the print arealargely as the changed color and (b) subsequently to the CC durationsignal by adjusting the CC duration.
 13. An IP structure as in claim 12wherein: the CC component normally reflects light having at least amajority component of wavelength suitable for forming the principalcolor such that the VC region normally appears along the surface zonelargely as the principal color; and the ID segment of the CC componentresponds (a) to the impact effect by temporarily reflecting light havingat least a majority component of wavelength suitable for forming colordifferent from the principal color such that the ID portion temporarilyappears along the print area largely as the changed color and (b)subsequently to the CC duration signal by adjusting duration of the IDportion reflecting light having at least a majority component ofwavelength suitable for forming color different from the principal colorso that the ID portion appears along the print area largely as thechanged color.
 14. An IP structure as in claim 12 wherein the ID segmentof the CC component responds (a) to the impact effect by temporarilyemitting light having at least a majority component of wavelengthsuitable for forming color different from the principal color such thatthe ID portion temporarily appears along the print area largely as thechanged color and (b) to the CC duration signal by adjusting duration ofthe ID portion emitting light having at least a majority component ofwavelength suitable for forming color different from the principal colorso that the ID portion appears along the print area largely as thechanged color.
 15. An IP structure as in claim 9 wherein the controllergenerates an audible sound in response to the impact signal, ifprovided, the sound indicating that the object has impacted the surfacezone so as to produce the print area.
 16. An IP structure as in claim 1wherein the OI structure is incorporated into a tennis court for whichthe exposed surface has (a) two opposite baselines, (b) two oppositesidelines extending between the baselines to define inwardly anin-bounds playing area, (c) two opposite servicelines situated betweenthe baselines and extending lengthwise between the sidelines, and (d) acenterline situated between the sidelines and extending lengthwisebetween the servicelines, a backcourt of the in-bounds area defined byeach baseline, the sidelines, and the serviceline closest to thatbaseline so as to establish two backcourts, the object being a tennisball, the surface zone comprising VC backcourt area which comprises twoVC backcourt area portions respectively partly occupying the backcourtsand respectively adjoining the servicelines along largely their entirelengths.
 17. An IP structure as in claim 1 wherein: the OI structurefurther includes an additional VC region extending to the exposedsurface at an additional surface zone, laterally adjoining the principalVC region so that the surface zones laterally adjoin each other, andnormally appearing along the additional surface zone largely as anadditional color different from the principal color during the activity,an ID portion of the additional VC region responding to the objectimpacting the additional surface zone at an ID OC area spanning wherethe object contacts the additional surface zone by temporarily appearingalong an ID print area of the additional surface zone largely as alteredcolor materially different from the additional color if that impactmeets additional threshold impact criteria, the print area of theadditional surface zone at least partly encompassing, at least mostlyoutwardly conforming largely to, and being largely concentric with itsOC area, CC duration of the ID portion of the additional VC regiontemporarily appearing along the print area largely as the altered colorof the additional surface zone being, absent externally causedadjustment, substantially in an additional CC duration range establishedprior to the object impacting the OC area of the additional surfacezone; and the controller responds to the object impacting the OC area ofthe additional surface zone and to subsequent external instruction bycontrolling the ID portion of the additional VC region so as to adjustthe CC duration of the ID portion of the additional VC region subsequentto the object impacting the OC area of the additional surface zone. 18.An IP structure as in claim 17 wherein: the ID portion of the principalVC region temporarily appears along the print area of the principalsurface zone largely as the changed color if the object impacts bothsurface zones largely simultaneously so as to meet composite thresholdimpact criteria; and the controller responds to external instruction andto the object impacting both surface zones for controlling the principalVC region so as to adjust the CC duration of the ID portion of theprincipal VC region subsequent to the object impacting both surfacezones.
 19. An IP structure as in claim 1 wherein: the VC region is atleast partly allocated into a multiplicity of VC cells arrangedlaterally in a layer, each cell extending to a part of the surface zone,the cells normally appearing along their parts of the surface zonelargely as the principal color during the activity, each cell that meetscellular threshold impact criteria in response to the object impactingthe OC area temporarily becoming a criteria-meeting (“CM”) cell whichtemporarily appears along its part of the surface zone largely as thechanged color and which subsequently returns to appearing along its partof the surface zone largely as the principal color, CC time duration ofeach CM cell temporarily appearing along its part of the surface zonelargely as the changed color being, absent externally caused adjustment,substantially in the CC duration range; and the controller responds toboth the impact and the external instruction by controlling each CM cellso as to adjust its CC duration subsequent to the object impacting theOC area.
 20. An IP structure as in claim 19 wherein each CM cellprovides a cellular impact signal in response to the object impactingthe OC area, the controller responding to the cellular impact signal ofeach CM cell by selectively providing it with a cellular CC durationsignal for adjusting the CC duration of that CM cell.